Work is to start next month on a £19.4 million project to improve the A602 between Stevenage and Ware.

The project will be carried out in several phases, with the first stage to start at the Hertford Road junction in Stevenage and – nearer Ware – the Anchor Lane and Westmill Road roundabout and the junction with the A10.

The junction at Hertford Road, in the Bragbury End area at the southern end of Stevenage, will convert the existing roundabout into a T-junction controlled by traffic lights. The intention is to increase the capacity of the junction and reduce traffic queues during the rush hour.

This first part of the project is set to start on August 21, and is expected to be finished by March next year.

The A602 – a major route linking the A10 and the A1(M) – has been identified for improvements because of its tight bends, poor visibility, inadequate junctions and traffic jams caused by right-turning vehicles blocking traffic at peak times.

Councillor Ralph Sangster, cabinet member for highways at County Hall, said: “These works form part of Hertfordshire County Council’s continuing commitment to improve our roads for the benefit of all road users in Hertfordshire.

“I would ask everyone for their co-operation and patience while the work is in progress.

“The A602 is an extremely busy and important route and these improvements will ease the flow of traffic and reduce congestion and queues during the rush hour.

“Once completed, motorists should notice a real difference and see improved journey times.”

The final two planning applications for the project’s later stages have now been submitted for the A119 junction east of Watton-at-Stone, and Ware Road from the Heath Mount to the Stonyhills junction.

To find out more see hertfordshire.gov.uk/A602.