A1057

This article is about the current A1057 between Hatfield and St Albans.
For the original A1057 in Newcastle upon Tyne, see A1057 (Newcastle upon Tyne).

Route

The A1057 is a single-carriageway route linking Hatfield and St Albans in Hertfordshire.

The road starts on the A1001 Hatfield western bypass, above the A1(M) Hatfield Tunnel. The road then heads west, out of town and out of zone. After passing the University of Hertfordshire and the suburb of Ellenbrook the road reaches open country, although this doesn't last for long. However, it is here when the road name changes from St Albans Road to Hatfield Road.

A1057 Hatfield Road, St Albans

There is a roundabout in the village of Smallford after which the suburbs of St Albans are reached. Initially there are only houses on the left but then the right becomes built-up as well. The road bears left at a double mini-roundabout to pass another couple and then wheels right at traffic lights where the local B691 comes in from the left. The road then passes over the Midland Mainline before crossing another double mini-roundabout to end on a full-size roundabout on the A1081 (original A6) on the edge of the city centre.

History

The A1057 number came to Hertfordshire in the 1970s with the growth of Hatfield New Town. When the A414 northern bypass was built the old road between the A1 (now A1001) bypass and the A1000 (original A1) through town was redesignated A1057. Later, around the time the M25 opened, in 1986, the former A405 North Orbital Road was designated A414 to take that road out of St Albans; the A1057 was then extended over another section of former A414.

The original section of A1057, in Hatfield, has been downgraded and is now the B6426.