Improvements to one of the busiest roads in Hertfordshire – the A602 – have moved a step closer.Hertfordshire County Council has submitted the first two planning applications as part of a project to improve the junctions on the route between Stevenage and Ware as part of a £19.4 million schemeThis stretch of the A602 is a major artery connecting business and communities in Hertfordshire and provides an east-west route between the A10 in Ware and the A1(M) on the west side of Stevenage. At present the road is a poor standard for such an important route, with tight bends, poor visibility and inadequate junctions. Right-turning vehicles block traffic causing congestion and delays, particularly at peak times.The whole project includes improvements at major junctions along the route and realigning the road in certain areas, re-configuring roundabouts, introducing traffic lights at particularly busy junctions and introducing dedicated turn lanes to ease congestion.Terry Douris, cabinet member for highways, said: “The scheme aims to improve this very busy route by easing congestion and so improving journey time. Our aim is to deliver a reliable route across Hertfordshire and this project is part of that ongoing effort. I am really pleased that this important project is progressing well.”