Improving walking and cycling in Colchester - University to the City Centre

Scheme construction

Construction works for the East Hill scheme started in July 2026 and are scheduled to be completed in mid-2027.

The majority of the works will take place between 8am and 5pm on weekdays. 

The scheme is being delivered in phases, beginning east of Lewis Gardens and progressing along the south side of East Hill. Works will then move to the north side of East Hill as the project progresses.

Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the works using stop/go traffic management or temporary traffic signals during off-peak hours (10am–3pm), where required. A small number of overnight road closures will be required during the later stages of construction to enable final surfacing works to be completed safely.

Access to properties and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.

For more detailed information about construction of the scheme, please see the Questions and Answers section at the bottom of this page.

University to the City Centre

We want to provide residents with more choice in how they travel and have been developing proposals to better connect key areas of the city by improving walking and cycling options.

One of the key journeys we have identified is an east-west route connecting the City Centre to the University, Greenstead and ultimately the new Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community.

Travelling along East Hill, before crossing into the Moors at East Bay and continuing to Haddon Park, the Hythe and Greenstead Road, the dedicated route will then cross Colne Causeway. From there, it will head to the University through Greenstead or, in the future, continue on to the new Garden Community. It will also connect with existing cycle routes, such as the Wivenhoe trail  and National Cycle Route 51. 

Recognising the opportunity to make it safer and easier to walk or cycle into the city centre, Essex County Council and Colchester City Council have successfully secured funding from Active Travel England, the national agency for Active Travel, and the Town Deal initiative, to help deliver the route. 

East Hill

For the section of route into the city centre, we are delivering new walking and cycling infrastructure on East Hill, making it safer and more accessible, while carefully respecting and enhancing the character of this conservation area.

Our plans have been shaped by engagement with local businesses, services and the wider community. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their views, which have directly influenced the improvements we are bringing forward.

What we are delivering

The scheme will introduce new high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure along East Hill supporting journeys into and from the city centre.

• Cycle infrastructure along the length of East Hill, supporting safer and more convenient cycling.
• Modern upgraded bus stop infrastructure, including new shelters, raised kerbs for improved accessibility, and real-time passenger information.
• Relocation of tourist coaches away from East Hill to ease congestion and the number of vehicles waiting for long periods of time.
• High quality pavements to improve accessibility, including natural stone paving within the city walls to enhance and complement the existing look and feel of the conservation area.
• Safer, raised footpath crossings at side roads to prioritise pedestrians and reduce vehicle speeds.
• An upgraded crossing, converting the existing zebra crossing into a parallel crossing for use by both pedestrians and cyclists.
• Improvements to the Guildford Road junction to enhance safety and traffic flow.
• Managed parking changes, retaining key spaces near the church while ensuring continued access for deliveries, loading, unloading and Blue Badge holders.
• A new 20mph speed limit along East Hill

Click on the plan below to see the proposals in more detail

East Hill - Contacting the team

In April 2026 Octavius Infrastructure were appointed as lead contractor for delivery of the East Hill element of the route. For any queries about the works, please email easthill@essexhighways.org.

Wider route proposals

The route will be delivered in phases, with further details added to this page as the project progresses.

From East Hill, the route passes through East Bay Mill development, continuing via the allotments onto the Moors, before reaching the residential area of Haddon Park.

At Hythe Station Road, cyclists can join National Cycle Route 51 by turning onto Hawkins Road, or continue the route by turning right onto Greenstead Road.

On Greenstead Road, cyclists will travel on-carriageway alongside traffic. The existing zebra crossing will be retained, and a new parallel crossing (for pedestrians and cyclists) is proposed at the roundabout adjacent to Tesco.

This crossing will enable movement into Greenstead by crossing Greenstead Road, or eastbound travel across Colne Causeway. A toucan crossing (for both pedestrians and cyclists) is already in place here, providing access to Elmstead Road and the university campus.

Alternatively, the new staggered crossing at the top of Clingoe Hill links to the cycle infrastructure along Clingoe Hill, developed as part of the future Rapid Transit System. This will improve access to Avon Way and Greenstead, as well as onward routes to the University, the Knowledge Gateway, and the future Garden Community walking and cycling network.

Question and Answers