A new zebra crossing is being installed to make it easier and safer for residents to walk to a new library.

The new crossing will be built across Dunstable Road, near the junction with Harpenden Lane and High Street, in Redbourn, with work starting today (Tuesday).

The work will last for six weeks.

While the works are taking place, High Street will be closed at the junction with Dunstable Road and Harpenden Lane, with a signed diversion put in place. Traffic on Dunstable Road and Harpenden Lane will be controlled by two-way traffic lights.

At the same time as building the new zebra crossing, Hertfordshire County Council will rebuild the pavements, kerbs and block paved areas near the junction, build two new traffic islands in Dunstable Road, put two speed cushions in Harpenden Lane, improve street lighting, traffic signs and road markings around the junction, and narrow Lamb Lane and resurface the pavement near the junction with High Street.

Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways at the council, said: "We want to put pedestrians first and make it easier for people to get around our towns on foot. That’s why it’s important for us to put in this new zebra crossing now, so people can get to and from the new library safely and conveniently.

"I know these works will be disruptive and I’d like to apologise in advance for the inconvenience. I hope people will bear with us while we make these important safety improvements."