The public are being asked what they think about proposals for the A414 corridor, including “significant” improvements for Hatfield.

Hertfordshire County Council has published plans to improve east-west travel across the county, both by car and by more sustainable choices, in a consultation that is open until February 25.

Proposals for Hatfield include:

• Improvements to junctions and roundabouts around the town

• Improvements to the A1(M) Junction 4 and the Oldings Roundabout

• New and improved cycling lanes

• Better pedestrian crossings and walking routes

• Priority for walkers and cyclists at key junctions

• A pedestrian bridge over the A1(M)

• Better cycling links to Welwyn Garden City and Cole Green Way

The council says that the A414 Corridor Strategy aims to improve transport on that stretch as well as in the towns along it, and includes proposals to reduce congestion and provide real alternatives to travelling by car.

The strategy sets out 30 sets of improvements along the length of the route, from Hemel Hempstead in the west to Harlow in the east, taking in Watford, St Albans, Welwyn Hatfield and Broxbourne along the way.

Derrick Ashley, Cabinet member for growth, infrastructure, planning and the economy, said: “There are up to 100,000 new homes planned for Hertfordshire by 2031 and 50 per cent of these will be along the A414 route.

“This will have a significant impact on the road itself, and on the towns along the route, and the increased traffic congestion will lead to longer journey times if we do nothing.

“We need to make improvements to this key cross-county road, but just as importantly we need to make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive and practical options.

“This is the biggest period of growth for Hertfordshire since the post Second World War New Towns era.

“A key part of ensuring we deliver ‘good growth’ will be to ensure that our communities are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

“To do this we need people to make sustainable transport choices and we need to have the supporting infrastructure and improvements in place along the A414 corridor.

“We want residents to tell us what they think about the A414 Corridor Strategy to help guide our future transport planning and investment.

“These are the changes we will look to implement over the next 20 years so we are really keen to hear from the younger generation on how they want to travel around the county in the future.”

Residents can see the plans here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/transport-and-highways/a414-corridor-summary-of-consultation.aspx