A major thoroughfare to St Albans city centre will be partially closed next week and traffic diverted through residential back streets.

Hatfield Road between St Peter’s Street and Upper Marlborough Road will become one-way from Monday, October 8 for nine days.

Only one direction of traffic will travel along the road while gas and water supplies are installed for the housing development at the site of the old museum.

St Albans council’s commercial and development portfolio holder Julian Daly said: “Traffic diversions are always inconvenient and can cause some frustration on the part of motorists and others affected.

“However, we ask for everyone’s understanding because there was no choice but to set one up due to the scheduled utility work. Options to avoid a road closure were looked at, but it is unavoidable.

“Working with our partners, we have tried to minimise the disruption caused to drivers, residents and businesses.

“I’m sure in the end people will agree that it is worthwhile. This project will have gained a fabulous new museum for the city as well as some very attractive, high-quality new homes.”

The diversion route will guide eastbound cars away from Hatfield Road at the roundabout by the Blacksmiths’ Arms.

They will be diverted south, along St Peter’s Street, left at the traffic lights onto Victoria Street and left at Upper Latimore Road to rejoin Hatfield Road at the T-junction. Traffic from the west towards the city centre will be diverted in the opposite direction.

Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys. Pedestrians will still have access and will only be affected by occasional pavement closures, when alternative routes and crossing points will be signposted.

Any late changes to this plan will be on the yellow signboards and at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/roadworks