Safer and more accessible journeys for people walking, wheeling and cycling are now in place at Thomas Sawyer Way in Watford...
A launch event was held on Saturday 9 May to mark the completion of the improvement works.
Hertfordshire County Council welcomed councillors, local stakeholders and community groups to Oxhey Activity Park to celebrate the opening of the toucan crossing, which forms part of the Watford Green Loop.
The new signalised toucan crossing now allows people to cross Thomas Swayer Way in one movement and addresses safety concerns at the junction with Dalton Way. The improvements also provide wider shared-use paths and new road resurfacing.,
Before and after photographs were on display at the event which attracted interest from visitors, who shared positive feedback about how much safer and easier the junction is use now.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Executive Member for Transport, and Cllr Peter Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth were joined by re-elected Mayor of Watford, Cllr Peter Taylor, to take part in the walk and cycle through the new crossing from Oxhey Activity Park.
Attendees continued to walk or cycle up to Watford High Street to the Future of Transport in Hertfordshire event at the Harlequin where a sample Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) vehicle was on display.
The showcase highlighted the council’s longer-term ambitions for more reliable, accessible and sustainable public transport to complement schemes like Thomas Sawyer Way that make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys. These initiatives support one of the council’s Corporate Plan priorities; to provide sustainable and accessible alternatives to the car, helping to reduce congestion and create safer, better-connected communities.
The completion of this new shared pedestrian and cycle crossing at Thomas Sawyer Way marks a milestone for the Watford Green Loop, which was delivered in partnership with Watford Borough Council and supported by Government funding through the Active Travel Fund. It was fantastic to see people come together to celebrate these improvements that make a real difference for residents and visitors by providing a safer and more accessible crossing
