Vital bridge safety repairs to close one lane of Ipswich Road/Cowdray Avenue roundabout

Vital repairs to keep motorists, cyclists and pedestrians safe on a busy Colchester bridge will start on Monday 7th June.

Essex Highways are preparing to complete the Cowdray bridge repairs that were identified during the recent Ipswich Road/Harwich Road improvement scheme.

This work will involve closing one lane on the Ipswich road roundabout between Ipswich Road South and Cowdray Avenue. One lane will be open to traffic.

During recent work, engineers were strengthening the retaining wall to the south and west of the Ipswich Rd roundabout, when a crack was discovered in the base of one of the ornamental bridge columns, known as pilasters. These pilasters are instantly recognisable to all Colchester residents.

At the time of the discovery, repairs were made on the bridge which are allowing one lane of the roundabout to remain open now. Further work to reinforce the bridge will start from 7th June and is expected to run until 27th August, although preparation work will be seen in the area this week.

Essex Highways will look to minimise the impact and reduce the lane closure as soon as it is safe and practical to do so, and we envisage removing the additional lane closure by the end of July.

Working hours will generally be during the day, however the traffic management lane closures will be required to remain in place for the full 24 hour period for safety of the public and to protect the works. Essex road users are encouraged to drive carefully through and around the works at these times, observing road and lane closures and traffic lights as necessary.

Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: “The safety of road users in Essex is of paramount importance and our utmost responsibility. This safety issue on the Cowdray Bridge has to be repaired as quickly as possible.

“I know this lane will be closed soon after work was completed on the Ipswich Road/Harwich Road junction. I absolutely understand these works may be an inconvenience, however they are essential, especially as the bridge runs over the main railway line.”

Residents and businesses are encouraged to check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates including any changes to traffic management arrangements: www.essex.gov.uk/majorschemes and access the dedicated Cowdray Bridge page.

You can also check the @Essexhighways twitter feed and one.network for information about other works in the area.