News releases and highways newsletters

Wicken Fen Bridge - road closure being implemented next week

Due to bus turning works being completed, the works programme has been amended and the road closure on School Lane has been brought forward. School Lane will be closed at the bridge from Wednesday 1 May 2024. Advance warning signs are in place which reflects the updated closure date.

Duffill bridge strengthening works complete

Strengthening works have been successfully completed on Duffill Bridge in Bicknacre.

Highways Highlights - April 2024

The March edition of Highways Highlights has now been published.

The newsletter for all things highway in Essex.

In this edition:

• March Maintenance Figures

Read this Highways Highlights edition.

A1331 Phase 1 update

Work on the delivery of Phase 1 of the new A1331 is progressing well, and the project recently reached some important milestones. Essex County Council has now completed the acquisition of all land required for the construction of Phase 1 of the A1331 and as such, the council withdrew Compulsory Purchase Orders on April 11 2024.

On Tuesday 16th April, the Department for Transport held a Public Land Inquiry in Colchester to consider the Side Roads Order (SRO) for Phase 1 of the A1331. This public inquiry closed on the same day.

New cycleway on Head Street still expected to open this month despite gas leak

A new city centre cycleway in Colchester remains on track to open by the end of the month, but a gas leak could delay full completion of the scheme.

The new two-way segregated cycleway on Head Street will allow cyclists and users of TIER e-scooters to travel freely in both directions on Head Street, safely separated from pedestrians and road traffic, and encouraging safer, greener and healthier travel in the city.

Work on the scheme, which is funded through the Government’s Active Travel Fund, was due to be finished by the end of April and the cycleway is still expected to be open by that date.

However, Essex County Council has announced that a gas leak could delay the completion of the final elements of the scheme, including an upgraded crossing at the junction with Culver Street West. Read full story

Wicken Fen Bridge – bridge reconstruction works due to start

Initial preparation works have been completed and we are now in a position for the main construction works at Wicken Fen Bridge to commence.

The first phase of construction works will commence on Monday 29 April 2024 and will involve mobilising the site and reconstructing the pedestrian footbridge.

Essex Highways wraps up winter service after wettest recorded winter in 130 years

Additional crews, expanded routes and new gritter contribute to successful winter service, despite record levels of rain.

Essex Highways is wrapping up this season’s winter service following the wettest recorded winter in 130 years.

High levels of rainfall brought significant challenges, with frozen conditions and icy roads meaning additional work for crews.

Working closely with local, city, parish, and town councils to overcome the winter conditions, including two major storms, this winter Essex Highways crews have:

Enjoy thousands of miles of Public Rights of Way across Essex’s countryside this spring

Landowners urged to keep footpaths, byways and bridleways clear and accessible.

With the weather warming up, it’s the ideal time to explore the wonderful Essex countryside.

And this spring, Essex Highways is encouraging residents to explore the county’s many Public Right of Way (PRoW) routes using its interactive online map.

PRoWs are routes that provide safer, greener and healthier access to the countryside for walkers, cyclists and equestrians.

Partial Footway closure - Northern Approach Road Colchester

As part of the next phase of works for the construction of the Colchester Rapid Transit System on Northern Approach Road, it is necessary to close the section of footway north of Mill Road, as highlighted on the map provided. This is to allow essential drainage works to be carried out. 

Pedestrians approaching Northern Approach Road from the Wildeve Avenue direction are encouraged to use the signalised crossing on Via Urbis Romanae, circled in red on the map.  

Please click below to view the footway closure map.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Essex Highways calling on landowners to keep on top of vegetation maintenance

Private trees, hedges, shrubs, and ditches need to be cleared and cut back before foliage grows.

Landowners with ditches and low-hanging trees near roads are being urged to ensure these are cleared and cut back this spring.

Carrying out this work before vegetation starts growing rapidly helps keep roads and paths clear, making them easier to use for residents.

Landowners are responsible for maintaining foliage on their land, even if it is close to a road or pavement. They have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent risk.