The first stage of a £19.4 million major project to improve the A602 between Stevenage and Ware has been granted planning permission.The A602 is a major route linking the A10 and the A1(M) and has been identified for improvements because of its tight bends, poor visibility, inadequate junctions and frequent traffic jams caused by right-turning vehicles blocking traffic at peak times.Hertfordshire County Council has today (Thursday 22 September) been given the green light for a new signalised junction at Hertford Road, Bragbury End, by the Development Control Committee. The work, set to begin mid-2017, will convert the existing roundabout into a traffic light controlled T-junction. This will increase the capacity of the junction and reduce traffic queues during the rush hour.Terry Douris, cabinet member for highways, said: “I’m really pleased we’re making progress with this scheme to improve this very busy route."Once we’ve completed the project we should see improved journey times and less congestion, providing motorists with a more reliable route across Hertfordshire.”