DAMAGE which was caused to an A12 bridge in 2020 may not be repaired for a further two years in a blow for commuters.

The A12 Severalls Lane bridge, which crosses over the dual carriageway and heads towards Langham and Great Horkesley, has had temporary traffic lights in place for more than three years because the structure was weakened by a lorry crashing into the structure in 2020.

With little progress having been made on repairs, however, the single-file traffic system has remained in place, causing frustration for commuters who must queue to get in and out of the Severalls area of Colchester.

National Highways has now said the bridge, which is required to have its beams replaced as part of the repair works, may not begin for another two years.

A spokesman said: "We have now finalised the plan for repair work to the bridge and will be starting the design phase soon.

"This has been discussed with the local authority (including road closure plans).

"A road closure and traffic management plan that shortens the time it takes to repair the bridge and less traffic disruption to local communities has been agreed with the local authority.

"We are expecting at least 18 months until we can start the repair work.

"The identified repair option (heat straightening and replacement of damaged section) requires specialist contractor involvement.

"Further site visits are planned as part of the design process.

"The agreed heat straightening option however reduces the construction duration compared to the initial proposal of full beam replacement."

One Great Horkesley resident, who has sent numerous emails to National Highways and MP for north Essex Sir Bernard Jenkin about the issue, called the length of time it has taken to repair the structure “a typical example of broken Britain.”

He said: “I’ve been sitting at the contraflow traffic lights for the past three years, and even when I got my MP involved, it went nowhere.

“I just find the whole thing incredibly inefficient – it’s taken them three years to come up with a plan.

“These people [in charge of the repairs] are not being held to account, because this isn’t just some little lane – it’s an important artery, so why it’s being treated with such a low profile, I have no idea.”

The commuter added he had been in dialogue with National Highways since the autumn of 2020, a few months after the bridge was damaged.

“I’ve been keeping on at them and it’s been going on for months and months – they’ve been prevaricating for the last three years and there doesn’t seem to be any pressure on the stakeholders to get a move on."

On the reason for the delay, the spokesman for National Highways said: "We have been looking to find the best way to repair the damaged bridge elements without causing extensive closure of the A12 and local roads.

"This has involved engaging with specialist contractors and stakeholders and has been an evolving process.

"We had to assess the bridge to understand whether it will withstand the partial removal of supporting beams without additional support while the work is being carried out.

"If support is required, typically this needs to be provided from A12 and is likely to require a 24/7 closure for an extended period of time which we were trying to avoid.

"The option of full beam replacement requires major closures at A12 resulting diverted traffic through Colchester area.

"We have now concluded that repairs to the damaged area will be sufficient.

"We will still require road closures both over the bridge and on the A12 but this will be minimal compared to the full beam replacement option.

"This will benefit the local community and road users as the works will be completed with minimal disruption."