WORKS on a long-running roadworks scheme are finally set to be completed next week... 15 months after originally scheduled.

Essex Highways has confirmed work to upgrade the Ipswich Road and Harwich Road roundabouts in Colchester is expected to be finished by the end of March.

The controversial £6.5 million roadworks scheme, which has seen the double roundabouts in Ipswich Road and Harwich Road converted into larger single roundabouts, was originally set to be completed in December 2019.

But works have faced a myriad of delays due to the complexity of the works and the impact of the Covid pandemic.

The final stage of the works will see the the roads in the area resurfaced before they are ready to reopen.

A series of night closures got underway last week with the second stage of resurfacing having started.

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An Essex Highways spokesman said: “The first phase of night time resurfacing works has now been completed, with the northern section of Ipswich Road roundabout and adjoining roads resurfaced and lined.

“The second phase of works on the southern section is now underway.

“The road closures required in this final phase are Ipswich Road south from Fenwick Drive to the roundabout, St Andrew’s Avenue from the Harwich Road roundabout heading towards the Ipswich Road roundabout and Cowdray Avenue from the Ipswich Road roundabout heading west.

“All other roads will remain open.

“Harwich Road south will remain open for these works so buses will now be able to divert through this area.

“The southern section of works are planned for five nights but we will, of, course try our best to complete this as quickly and safely as possible.”

The spokesman added: “The Ipswich Road Harwich Road scheme is expected to be completed this month.”

Cracks discovered in the nearby Cowdray Avenue Bridge will have to be repaired as part of a separate scheme.

Works on the scheme first started back in September 2018 and were originally scheduled to take 15 months but have taken two and-a-half years.