Colchester's controversial Northern Approach Road is finally set to open after nearly two years of construction work, traffic chaos, delays and setbacks.

The road, which will eventually provide a new link from Colchester to the A12, has cost more than £8 million.

Nearly there - Colchester's Northern Approach Road is set to open soon.

The project was plagued with protests and campaigns when the plans were first announced in 1998.

Building work started in July 2001, but a series of setbacks meant the original completion date of January this year had to be scrapped, and replaced with a less ambitious date of June 26.

Now construction company Coftons says it is on target to meet this date, and will open the road as far as the Boxted roundabout on time.

"We are all a lot happier because we can see the end in sight," said project manager Lawrence Bonner.

"We think we have been there too long and the residents think we have been there too long. It has been a frustrating job."

Despite nearly two years of building work and an opening date in a matter of weeks, Mr Bonner said Essex County Council planners only approved the full and final plans for the road in February, an issue which he said has added to the delays.

Some delays have also been unavoidable, such as row over whether a statue depicting Boadicea could be placed on a roundabout, Mr Bonner added.

About 20,000 trees are to be planted along the route. This is due to go ahead in October.

County councillor Rodney Bass, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: "We believe this road will provide an important framework to help with the traffic movements of all types."

Phase three of the project, which will see the road linked with the A12 and a development of new homes at the former Severalls Hospital and Cuckoo Farm sites, is currently in the planning stage and is set to move forward later in the summer

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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