Bushey Arches ‘gridlock’ could continue as temporary lights to remain.

“Gridlocked” traffic near Bushey Arches may continue as temporary lights are installed to address a water leak.

The emergency closure of Aldenham Road for Affinity Water works has resulted in “carnage” since the problem was reported on Monday (February 16).

Repairs appear to be complete, and the road has reopened, however the water company claims temporary traffic signals are required owing to a broken manhole cover in the same area.

A spokeswoman stated, “Affinity Water is carrying out their statutory duty to protect the safety of a dangerous site by keeping the temporary traffic signals on Aldenham Road, Bushey WD23, in place on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council while they work to replace a broken manhole cover.

“Hertfordshire County Council has been contacted and is preparing for a replacement manhole cover.

Congestion in the area is expected to continue today while this is in effect.

Previous delays were exacerbated by ongoing repairs in Bushey High Street and Waterfields Way, on the other side of the arches, as well as the closure of nearby Villiers Road and Bushey Hall Road.

Villiers Road has finally reopened, but Bushey Hall Road will remain closed for several weeks while Cadent Gas works to replace outdated pipes. “There were cars literally back to back,” Bushey homeowner Michele Selwyn stated.

“It’s taking people half an hour to an hour to drive six or seven minutes, it’s a joke.”Calling for immediate action to restore the road, she added: “If it’s like this this week with no school run, what will it be like next week?”

Hertfordshire County Council has been contacted for an update on when the manhole cover will be restored and traffic restrictions removed.

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