Colchester faces the possibility of a large part of its new northern approach road being dug up as soon as it is completed - at a cost of millions.

Work began in August on the new road with permission for a traffic light junction where the road meets Mill Road in Mile End.

Since permission was given, Colchester Council has changed its mind and now favours an underpass.

There is little or no chance these studies could be completed before the road is finished in July, so it may mean digging up the traffic lights and replacing them with an underpass, a scheme which could cost about £4m.

Vincent Pearce, the council's development control manager for north Colchester, said there was "no immediate prospect" of the Severalls plans going to committee.

"By then the road will be in place, so if the council goes for an underpass it will require significant remodelling of that junction."

He admitted this effectively meant ripping it out and starting again.

In the masterplan agreed in May last year, Colchester Council said its favoured option was now an underpass. Mr Pearce said the decision was still in the balance.

Published Friday, March 1, 2002