The new A120 Little Hadham Bypass and Flood Alleviation Scheme opened to traffic yesterday afternoon, (Wednesday 22 December).

Officially opened by Cllr Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, and Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald, MP for North East Hertfordshire, the new scheme means residents will be less likely to be stuck in the notorious “top to toe tailbacks” at the Little Hadham traffic lights.

As well as alleviating congestion along the route caused by the traffic lights, the 3.9km bypass scheme will provide more reliable journey times and improved flood defences, thanks to new road embankments installed along the River Ash and Albury Tributary.

Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that the new A120 bypass is now open for motorists, alleviating the well-known congestion in Little Hadham and reducing the flood risk to the village and surrounding communities.

“The opening of the bypass will create a greener, cleaner and more pleasant environment for the village, as well as improving the road network in the area, better connecting our people to the places they live, work and learn.

“On behalf of the county council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you in the local community and businesses for your continued support and patience during the construction period.”

Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald, MP for North East Hertfordshire, said: “I am delighted this road is open for Christmas. It is a great project with a flood alleviation scheme too which will improve road safety, help businesses and reduce the risk of flooding. It is £40 million well spent by the Government with county council and Environment Agency support.”

Rt Hon Grant Shapps, MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “I wish to congratulate Hertfordshire County Council in overseeing the development of this important scheme which will provide so many benefits locally and regionally. I also wish to congratulate GRAHAM for achieving the construction in the face of the many disruptions that have occurred including Covid and adverse weather.

“The scheme is an excellent example of how Government funding to improve infrastructure can benefit so many people. It will remove the bottleneck in the village thereby improving journey times for all who use the A120, as well as greatly improving the overall wellbeing of residents in Little Hadham with the removal of the long lines of stationary traffic. Including flood defences in the scheme will also make their lives much safer. This shows what a joined up approach can achieve.”

The scheme has been a journey of discovery in so many ways, with the project team not only uncovering a Roman archaeological settlement, but also a rare Hertfordshire Puddingstone, dating back to prehistoric times. The stone now takes pride of place in the village of Little Hadham.

Hertfordshire LEP invested £8.26m from the Local Growth Fund and helped secure a further £27.4m from the Department of Transport as part of a wider funding package with Hertfordshire County Council and the Environment Agency.

To find out more about the A120 Bypass and Flood Alleviation Scheme, please visit: A120 corridor -  Hertfordshire County Council.