Colchester Clingoe Hill rapid transit lane works to begin

A new contraflow system is being introduced on the A133 Clingoe Hill to help manage traffic during the roadworks for the rapid transit system. 

The system, which is due to be put in place today, is set to stay in place until spring 2025 and sees the exit and entrance to Boundary Road closed. 

Drivers will have to divert between Greenstead Roundabout and the connecting part of the A133 and the B1028. 

The left turn exiting Boundary Road will be kept open for the University of Essex campus to be accessed. 

Road - Clingoe Hill (Image: Google)

The works will create a dedicated bus lane as part of a priority route between the new Colchester Tendring Garden community and key destinations around the city. 

It will also connect with works underway on Northern Approach and the existing park and ride facilities. 

Milestone Infrastructure, the developer, will start the first stage of construction of a new carriageway section along the southern verge of the A133. 

It will allow the existing eastbound slip to gradually move traffic over and maintaining two lanes for traffic heading into the city while creating a safe working zone next to the southern verge for carriageway widening. 

Sketch - Pictures of how the new system could look like

Councillor Tom Cunningham, highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport boss at Essex County Council, said: “I am delighted that works are due to get underway on what when operational, will provide transformational transport services across the city. 

“Colchester is thriving, but too many of us are making very short journeys by car, which has a significant impact on congestion. We need to make it a genuinely easier choice to access public transport, and we also need to ensure that future housing growth is supported through high-quality transport infrastructure.” 

But Greenstead councillor Julie Young is sceptical fearing the road closure will affect the busy traffic near her ward. 

She said: “They've been doing some work around there for some time now. And it has caused big delays, especially down Avon Way.

I've flagged that with Essex County Council because it is creating quite significant issues in terms of people getting on and off the Greenstead  estate and impacting residents in terms of air pollution as well, and being able to get across the road.  

Worried - Greenstead Councillor Julie Young (Image: Newsquest)

“I know this is necessary work that's being done to make way for the rapid transit system. But I think you know it's going to be quite a bit of pain for a little while now for local residents.  

“While the work takes place and I'm not quite sure that Essex County Council really understand the effect on local people, that this will create.” 

The start of the new term at university could also add to motorists' confusion, she said. 

“It's not the ideal time to start, is it when we've got new students arriving on campus in the next couple of weeks ready for the start of term,” she said. 

“It's a shame it couldn't be done while the university has been away for the summer period. I am concerned about people turning up to the area and finding it quite difficult to navigate around and get to where they need to get.” 

More information and plans showing the full Clingoe Hill works can be seen at www.essexhighways.org/colchester-rapid-transit. 

For questions about the scheme please email rapidtransit@essexhighway.org.