The closure of the northbound carriageway on St George's Way was caused by "emergency works" to the new Autolus building, it can be revealed.

The road was initially closed on Wednesday, November 15, causing heavy congestion in the surrounding area. It has remained closed since, though the southbound carriageway (in the direction of the football ground) is open.

On Thursday, November 16, Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) confirmed that the closure was due to "fascia cladding falling from building while works are carried out to secure loose materials".

They have now said that "these emergency works on St George's Way were for urgent repairs to the cladding of a newly constructed building".

"The road closure was put in place as a matter of health and safety to the public."

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A spokesperson for Reef, the developer of the new Autolus building in the town centre, has today confirmed that the work relates to that building.

It will be the European manufacturing headquarters of Autolus, a biopharmaceutical company, and was expected to cost around £66m to build. The building is located on the site of the former Marshgate car park.

The Reef spokesperson said: “We have requested temporary traffic restrictions as a precaution while we investigate and undertake works to the exterior of the building. We hope to complete these works in the next few days.”

HCC, meanwhile, estimated yesterday evening that the works would be completed by the end of the day on Friday, November 17.

Reef is a key developer in the Stevenage town centre regeneration programme, with involvement in the Queensway North, Forum, and Enterprise Centre projects.

A spokesperson for Stevenage Borough Council said: "We are aware of lane closures and a build-up of traffic around St George’s Way on Wednesday, November 15."