One of the busiest routes in out and of Watford will shut from tonight for 25 hours.
Hempstead Road will be closed in both directions between Courtlands Drive and the Hunton Bridge roundabout from 11pm this evening (Tuesday).
It is due to the NATO summit being held at The Grove on Wednesday.
World leaders including, US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, will gather to discuss security challenges as NATO marks its 70th anniversary.
For the past few days, there has been a major police presence in the area.
Police vehicles parked up in Hempstead Road on Tuesday afternoon, including a Kent Police van
Stewards and police at the junction of Grove Mill Lane and Hempstead Road this afternoon
This afternoon, Hempstead Road from Courtlands Drive down to the A41 Shell petrol station was lined with police officers, each stationed around 100 metres apart.
Officers from Hertfordshire, the Met, Kent, Wales and other forces have been spotted patrolling, alongside motorcycle police, and this will continue overnight and into tomorrow.
As well as keeping an eye on things, they have been searching bushes and undergrowth for any suspicious items.
A police officer stationed just off Hempstead Road on Tuesday
Police vehicles have been travelling up and down Hempstead Road and in and out of the town centre, and coaches have been dropping more police officers off throughout the afternoon near the entrance to The Grove.
Around 20 officers are dropped off near the entrance to The Grove on Tuesday afternoon
A convoy of police motorcyclists approaching the Hunton Bridge roundabout
Police outside The Grove on Monday. Credit: PA
An anti-terrorism traffic regulation order is in place in Hempstead Road preventing pedestrians from venturing near The Grove, with the five-star hotel on lockdown.
Langleybury Lane, Fir Tree Hill and Grove Mill Lane are already shut with security fencing and barriers in place. These roads will not reopen until 8pm tomorrow.
Fencing in Langleybury Lane
Dozens of cones have been put out on the A41 in Hunton Bridge too. Any drivers coming out of Bridge Road can only turn left and there is no right-turn into Bridge Road.
This is the scene on the A41 in Hunton Bridge
Roads shut: Langleybury Lane closed due to a security cordon around The Grove hotel and grounds
Canal paths and footpaths are also closed off to the public.
All roads and paths will be open by midnight on Thursday.
Major disruption is expected on roads in and around Watford tomorrow with drivers recommended to travel only if necessary.
Diversion signs are in place via the A41.
We want to know how the NATO event is affecting you. Please email nathan.louis@newsquest.co.uk
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