Carmageddon 2 as next phase of two year programme of roadworks in Harlow set to begin

News / Wed 25th Mar 2026 at 11:04am

JUST when you thought it was safe to drive on Fifth Avenue, a new set of roadworks are about to create possible new roads to hell for drivers going in and out of Harlow.

On Monday afternoon, the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT), gave a thirty minute presentation into the next set of roadworks from the Harlow railway station roundabout towards Eastwick, Gilston and Pye Corner.

This will be the part that links up the Stort Crossing.

The work will begin in May 2026 and finish in Autumn 2028.

The presentation was made by Hertfordshire County Council officer, Phil Bradbury.

There were a number of questions raised regarding traffic being diverted through country lanes in Roydon and Hunsdon.

There were questions from East Herts councillor John Dunlop regarding community involvement.

There were also a number of concerns regarding communication.

There were many concerns (outwith this meeting) that it was very poor in relation to the work down from the railway station to the Asda roundabout.

There was no explanation as to why it did not finish on November 30th, 2025 and obtaining information regarding up coming closures was also very difficult.

There also appears to be a tension between Harlow Council and HGGT. Not a single representative from Harlow Council attended the opening of the Sustainable Transport Corridor (Fifth Avenue) last week.

Film is below.

9 Comments for Carmageddon 2 as next phase of two year programme of roadworks in Harlow set to begin:

Seamus

2026-03-25 13:21:21

This is the same Fifth avenue that leads directly into Edinburgh Way, that multiple people pointed out when the mention of Marks and Spencers was mentioned. Now at least the honesty shows it will be years upon years of her and increased gridlock for Harlow and its residents

Steve Morris

2026-03-25 14:46:02

Whatever imbecile designed the new layout approaching Allende Avenue, From Velizy Avenue across Forth Avenue by Sainsbury's needs their head examining. You've put in 24 hour bus lanes that are rarely used that could easily have timed use, single lane traffic where there were two lanes before and it was already busy and toucan crossings literally on the roundabout to add even more congestion. Yes, I understand there is a need for pedestrian and cycle access but please maybe try and navigate and use these roads yourself before stupid time wasting, traffic causing roads are built and implemented.

Pete

2026-03-25 16:09:02

We have smart motorways where lanes are opened or closed. Why not have something similar for bus lanes. Surely more efficient than an empty lane next to a jam packed one

Ross

2026-03-25 16:14:55

I completely agree with you Steve Morris; it's absolute carnage on the routes you mentioned. Noticeable worse than before with traffic congestion. And, "Not a single representative from Harlow Council attended the opening of the Sustainable Transport Corridor (Fifth Avenue) last week." Sorry but that's bad on Harlow Councils part - what possible excuse is there for no council members to attend the opening?.

A.Mo

2026-03-25 17:58:36

I remain extremely concerned that Harlow town and Residents seem to have limited scope for consultation input. Cll Hardware made the point, but not sure I heard a convincing response. Having endured Essex CC imposing ludicrous Bus lanes on town in phase one, have no confidence East Herts will show any more forethought or consideration to this phase. The modus operandi seems to be for Harlow take it as it is and just get on with it. The Town needs better guarantees and input.