St Botolph's Circus, Colchester

The changes will look to make the roundabout simpler to use and improve the flow of traffic. Currently, the layout is complex which can be confusing to use, particularly to gain access to Britannia car park. The Magistrates’ Court car park and the blue badge parking bays at the station are also accessed off the roundabout which can cause problems for traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

The traffic data analysis undertaken shows that the junction currently experiences significant congestion in the peak hours, with average vehicle speeds reduced to below 50% of the free flow speeds. In addition, a collision analysis found that the majority of the collisions in the study area were concentrated around St Botolph’s Circus roundabout. Vulnerable road user safety within this area is poor, with 11 of the 18 reported injury collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists or powered two-wheeler users.

The proposals include revising the junctions, particularly the entrance to Colchester Magistrates’ Court and station, to make it easier for all modes of transport to navigate the area. In addition, the scheme will aim to reduce congestion, reduce collisions and improve safety for both traffic users and pedestrians and improve the look and feel of the area, given that it is a key route into town.

The improvements to St Botolph’s Circus form a key part of investment in infrastructure in Colchester and are integral to support housing and employment growth.

Funding was secured from the Garrison redevelopment to improve this junction, however the window for using this funding is time limited.

There is £3.5 million allocated for St Botolph’s Circus.

Funding, earmarked for improving this junction, has already been secured which will allow us to construct these proposals and therefore we see no reason at present to suggest otherwise.

We recognise that St Botolph’s Circus is located within one of Colchester’s air quality management areas and that air quality is a concern. The proposed changes are designed to help traffic move more freely in the area and we are undertaking detailed assessments to determine the impact that these may have on the surrounding air quality.

The proposal is the best solution that can be provided at this time with the funding that is available. The changes will provide significant benefits for network users across Colchester and will allow for future improvements in conjunction with other upgrades to Colchester town centre if and when further funding is available. The chosen proposal should significantly reduce congestion compared with the current roundabout.

The estimated construction start is Spring/Summer 2020 and construction should be completed by Summer/Autumn 2021, however this is subject to change. We will make sure the latest information is available on the website when we know more.

People who walk or cycle will travel around the roundabout using designated crossing points at surface level. These are deemed to be both safer and quicker ways to move around the roundabout.

Improving traffic flow at St Botolph’s Circus will help to protect the overall reliability of the public transport network and reduce congestion. We are still at an early stage of design but there could be some changes to the current bus stops if the works interfere with the locations of the original bus stops. If this is the case, we will make sure we reposition them to a suitable location. We will make sure any significant changes in the area are advertised on this webpage before they occur to keep you informed.

As the project is at an early stage we do not yet have a traffic management plan, however during construction there will likely be an impact on the roundabout and the flow of traffic. We will try to minimise the impact on traffic as much as possible, but as with any scheme such as this, there is likely to be temporary disruptions. These improvements should improve congestion significantly after the works are complete.

As the project is at an early stage we have not yet got a traffic management plan in place and do not have the full information to determine whether the roundabout or local roads will be closed during construction. If any do need to be closed, we will ensure that appropriate diversions are put in place and suitably advertised to ensure that network users can still reach their destination.

This webpage will be updated with information as and when it becomes available, and you can check www.essex.gov.uk/traffic for the official permitted works and diversions and live traffic delays.

Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council remain committed to improving the area. The improvements to St Botolph’s Circus form a key part of investment in infrastructure in Colchester and are integral to support housing and employment growth.

It is important to note that Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council both have further aspirations for the development of St Botolph’s Circus in conjunction with other upgrades to the town centre, however these are contingent on securing further funding.

We are currently working on a plan to identify a clear vision for Colchester which will include sustainable transport.

We need a strategic approach to help solve the issues that are currently in existence on Colchester’s transport network. Looking to the future, we need to progress in a way that ensures that what we have in Colchester can be used and enjoyed for generations to come.

Any updates to the scheme will be posted directly onto the webpage: www.essex.gov.uk/stbotolphs.