DRIVERS will face overnight closures as the second phase of works to improve a busy Colchester road get underway. 

The roadworks, on Berechurch Hall Road, are in place so a new toucan crossing can be installed after concerns from residents about a lack of crossing. 

There are three phases of work being carried out. 

The new phase of work will start on July 15, with temporary overnight closures taking place between the hours of 7pm and 5am from July 15 to July 19.

The closure will support the resurfacing and relining of Berechurch Hall Road meaning all through traffic will be affected. 

The junctions of Camulodunum Way, Discovery Drive and Maypole Green Road will be impacted. 

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: "Please take extra care to observe signage and diversions in place."

Phases - Phase one of the roadworks, shown, took place from May 13 to July 19Phases - Phase one of the roadworks, shown, took place from May 13 to July 19 (Image: Submitted)

The first phase of took place from May 13 with temporary multi-way traffic lights in place to manage traffic flows between the junctions of Camulodunum Way and Hawaii Drive.

The third and final phase will take place from July 29 to August 30 with temporary multi-way traffic lights being again required to manage traffic flows between Camulodunum Way and Berechurch Hall Road.

Berechurch councillor Dave Harris said he was originally promised the crossing would be installed during the summer holidays last year, but it was delayed.

While housebuilder Persimmon Homes said at the time it was waiting on a response from Essex Highways.

The 153-plot home development in Berechurch Hall Road was approved back in 2021 despite fears over crashes causing long-term residents to leave the area.

A representative for Persimmon Homes said in a meeting at the time the new Toucan crossing was part of the plans for the scheme.

Throughout the road works, working hours have been restricted during school term times, with works outside the school taking place during the summer holiday period. 

Restrictions will be adjusted as works progress to keep the impact to a minimum and dates may be subject to change if the works are impacted by poor weather or if unexpected issues arise.