'Dangerous' roundabout on A134 in Colchester to be replaced

The roundabout linking the A134, Wildeve Avenue, Boxted Road and Nayland Road in Mile End will be overhauled and replaced with a larger scheme designed to the latest Government standards.

Since 2015 there have eight collisions involving cyclists at the roundabout, with two of these deemed serious.

Ward councillor David King (Lib Dem, Mile End and Highwoods) thanked predecessor Anne Turrell and resident Will Bramhill for campaigning on the issue.

He said: “These are the best figures we have but the real ones are likely to be much higher. I’ve seen a pedestrian be hit by a car at the roundabout myself.

“There are issues with speed but the roundabout is the primary cause of accidents.

"Too many people go in a straight line over it and do not look in their periphery vision when approaching.

“We want to encourage people to cycle but we have to give people confidence that if they or their families take their bikes out it is a safe choice.”

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Drivers will face disruption whilst works, which are expected to cost about £100,000, take place.

They are set to set to begin on September 6 and last 33 days with four-way traffic lights installed.

The roundabout is set to be replaced

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said road safety engineers recommended the casualty reduction scheme to councillors for approval.

They added: “The roundabout here on the A134 has a clear pattern of incidents involving cyclists and other vehicles.

“We find most cyclists are going to and from Nayland Road and Boxted Road, while other traffic is along the A134, with speed of approach one of the causes of collisions.

“To make the roundabout safer, the scheme will enlarge the roundabout, slowing traffic as it approaches and make it more obviously visible to everyone.

“Engineers will then monitor the effect of the new design during its first year of operation, to ensure it does reduce the risks and not introduce any new issues.”