News releases and highways newsletters

Highways Highlights - January 2026

The January edition of Highways Highlights has now been published.

The newsletter for all things highway in Essex.

In this edition:

and more…

Cowdray Avenue bus layby works

As part of ongoing investment to improve public transport across the city, works will shortly begin to upgrade the westbound Cowdray Avenue bus layby (opposite The Range).

These improvements are being delivered as part of Colchester’s Rapid Transit System (RTS) project. The works will create a larger bus layby to accommodate additional future bus services, alongside a widened footway to improve accessibility and ease of movement for pedestrians and bus passengers.

Construction is scheduled to start on 16 February and is expected to take approximately six weeks. To minimise disruption, works will be carried out overnight on weekdays. Read full story

Upcoming road closures - Harlow Sustainable Transport Corridor

On behalf of Essex County Council, Bouygues UK Ltd are undertaking essential works as part of the Harlow Sustainable Transport Corridor project. As a result of these works, the following closures are due to take place:

Burnt Mill Roundabout:

• From 8pm Monday 2 February until 5am Tuesday 3 February 2026
• From 8pm Tuesday 3 February until 5am Wednesday 4 February 2026
• From 8pm Wednesday 4 February until 5am Thursday 5 February 2025

Velizy Roundabout and approaches:

• From 8pm on Thursday 5 February to 5am on Friday 6 February 2026
• From 8pm on Friday 6 February to 5am on Saturday 7 February 2026

Landowners encouraged to cut vegetation ahead of bird nesting season

Unkept trees, hedges, and ditches can quickly become a safety hazard if not maintained.

Landowners are being reminded that trees, hedges, ditches and other vegetation close to highways needs to be maintained before bird nesting season begins.

Overgrown vegetation can prevent roads and paths from being safe by blocking paths and restricting the view of the highway.

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.

Boxted Bridge – Public consultation open

A public consultation has been launched allow pedestrians and cyclists to use Boxted Bridge.

Essex Highways cracks down on unauthorised utility works

Permits are required to make sure roadworks are managed properly and do not cause unnecessary delays.

Disruptive repair works being carried out by a sub-contractor on behalf of Openreach in Thorpe-le-Soken have been stopped after it was found out that they were working without an approved permit.

The Openreach works, near the war memorial, involved four-way traffic lights at the same time as a planned closure on Walton Road, leading to heavy congestion. 

Openreach was told to clear the site immediately and will be fined, after it was established their permit application had not yet been approved.

Consultation to launch on reopening Boxted Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists

Residents are invited to share their views on the proposal.

A public consultation is set to open regarding plans to reopen Boxted Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.  

The bridge was closed in June 2023 after an inspection revealed its condition had severely deteriorated, making it unsafe to use.

Following tests last September to assess how much weight the bridge could currently withstand, Essex County Council is now proposing a limited reopening of the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists only.

NDORS Driver Training Coordinator - Basildon (Flexible/Hybrid)

Ringway Jacobs is seeking a Driver Performance & Training Co-ordinator to join their Essex Highways contract.

This pivotal role sits within the Driver Improvement Team, supporting the delivery and quality of NDORS courses offered as an alternative to prosecution. Reporting to the Senior Monitor and working closely with the Booking Office, you will ensure high standards through ongoing monitoring and trainer development.

You will work from home for digital tasks and travel across Essex, Southend, and Thurrock, with occasional evening and weekend commitments. As Trainer Co-ordinator, you will support SERP’s team of nearly 100 trainers, ensuring consistent and compliant course delivery. You will also collaborate with internal and external partners on work-related road safety initiatives and contribute to developing new courses aligned with Vision Zero.

For more information and to apply for the role use the link below.

NDORS Driver Training Coordinator

Good progress on Albert Roundabout Works, Colchester

Works on the Albert Roundabout Active Travel Improvement Scheme are progressing well.

Construction has now resumed following a break for the festive period, and the project has now passed the halfway stage.

Senior Engineer - Structures

We’re seeking a skilled Structural Engineer to lead the analysis and design of bridges and retaining walls in reinforced concrete, masonry, and steel. Reporting to the Team Leader, you will provide technical expertise, mentor junior staff, and uphold high design standards.

You will play a key role in delivering structural refurbishment, assessment, and replacement projects—drawing on your initiative and strong knowledge of design codes, DMRB, MCHW, and CDM regulations.

For more information and to apply for the role use the link below.

Senior Engineer - Structures