Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians across Hertfordshire are set to notice a visual change on local roads as Hertfordshire County Council begins removing the temporary orange barriers that have been a familiar sight in towns and villages — including Hitchin and surrounding areas. 

The countywide programme, which started this month in areas such as Watford, Dacorum and Three Rivers, is now rolling out across the rest of Hertfordshire. The initiative involves safely taking down the bright orange street barriers from roads, pavements and junctions where they have been in place following earlier transport and safety schemes. 

According to the council, the work is part of a district-by-district effort to restore local streets, improve accessibility and tidy up areas previously affected by roadworks and active travel installations. Each removal is carefully planned with the council's Network Management team to manage traffic flow, closures, and safety for residents. 

"Good News for Local Streets"

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Hertfordshire's Executive Member for Highways, said residents will begin to see improvements as the barriers come down over the coming weeks. "This is good news — it means we're restoring local streets, improving access and tidying up areas that have been affected by previous works. We know these barriers have been a frustration for some residents, but each site needs to be managed carefully to avoid disruption and keep everyone safe." 

What It Means for Hitchin

For people in Hitchin, the removal of these temporary barriers should make everyday travel feel a bit smoother and more open — whether you're walking into town, cycling along side streets or driving to local shops and services. The council says more updates will be shared via its social channels and website as the programme continues over the next few months. 

Why the Barriers Were There in the First Place

The orange barriers were originally installed as part of active travel and road safety measures — some introduced during the pandemic to support walking and cycling and manage traffic changes. Over time, as schemes have evolved and roads have been re-evaluated, the decision was taken to remove these temporary structures where they were no longer needed. 

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for crews working in their area and plan for occasional short-term disruptions during the removal process.