Fears Clingoe Hill works are an 'accident waiting to happen'

Works for the rapid transit system have begun on the A133 Clingoe Hill with the introduction of a contraflow system. 

The system is set to stay in place until spring 2025. 

It will be alongside a short diversion due to Boundary Road’s exit and entrance being closed. 

However, the new system has councillors in the area worried about traffic delays and confusion for drivers. 

Andrea Luxford Vaughan, representing Wivenhoe, claimed she was almost involved in an accident just one day after the new traffic flow was introduced. 

Worried - Wivenhoe councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan

She said: “It is getting more regular that traffic is getting so bad. 

“The area has a potential for a serious accident. You don’t realise how much traffic is going in and out of the university. 

“I am very worried.” 

Works - The current situation on Clingoe Hill (Image: Newsquest)

Mark Cory has also been contacted by concerned and unhappy residents, who fear worsening conditions once the new term at university starts. 

He said: “These roadworks are affecting Wivenhoe residents greatly. Residents are very exercised about it and we as local councillors are against the works without a full link road being delivered.  

Concernd - Mark Cory, Wivenhoe councillor, shares residents' concerns

“There’s a story in the disruption already being caused within hours of it starting, I had to go on a ten minute detour. 
 
“Luckily I know the back roads very well, but the organisation has fallen done at the first hurdle.” 

When the works were announced 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.”