News releases and highways newsletters

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.

Step into spring with annual safer, greener, healthier walking challenge

Residents can win prizes by walking 35,000 steps a week, or 5,000 steps a day.

The third annual Safer, Greener, Healthier walking challenge launches on Monday (1 April).

The Step into Spring challenge will run for six weeks to Sunday 12 May and is being run in collaboration with the free wayfaring and walking app, Go Jauntly.

Many Essex residents have already signed up to walk 35,000 steps a week, or 5,000 steps a day. The challenge is open throughout the six-week period for registration.

Cowdray Bridge – trial hole investigations complete

We recently carried out trial hole investigations at Cowdray Bridge to determine its current condition and locate utility services within the vicinity of the bridge.

Fully electric, zero-emission buses coming to Essex

Government investment to unlock electric buses coming to Basildon.

More than £30 million is to be invested in safer, greener and healthier travel in Basildon.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed the town will be one of a number of areas across the south-east of England to receive funding for electric buses.

Essex County Council and First Bus were successful in securing £4.8 million from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 scheme. This will fund 55 electric buses in Basildon.

Works to start on new Sustainable Transport Corridor for Harlow

Project will provide upgraded rapid bus services and sustainable transport links in town.

Work is set to get underway this month on new transport infrastructure to support the planned Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT).

Construction on the transformational new Sustainable Transport Corridor is set to formally start following the appointment of Bouygues UK Ltd as lead contractor.

Running from a redesigned junction at Burnt Mill along the A1019 to the town centre, the corridor will provide upgraded rapid bus services. It also includes walking and cycling links, new public realm, trees, signage and lighting.