East Hill walking and cycling upgrade to get underway

East Hill walking and cycling upgrade to get underway

Works to improve walking and cycling on East Hill in Colchester are set to get underway in the coming weeks.

The East Hill scheme forms part of the successful Colchester City Council led Town Deal funding bid. Providing improved walking and cycling infrastructure, the works are the first element of a wider route linking the city centre with Greenstead, the University of Essex and, ultimately, the new Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community walking and cycling network.

Octavius Infrastructure has been appointed to lead on delivering the East Hill element, following a competitive tender process, and subject to councillor ‘call-in’ and contractual standstill period.

The works are expected to take up to 12 months and are scheduled to be completed in mid-2027. The team will work closely with the St Botolph’s contractor and Colchester City Council to ensure works are aligned.

Minimising disruption for residents and businesses will be crucial, along with ensuring clear communication around what works are happening, and how they are likely to impact on journeys.

The works on East Hill include:

• the creation of new cycleways and pavements,
• upgraded crossing facilities,
• improved bus stops, with dedicated waiting areas,
• new parking arrangements,
• raised sections on side roads to improve accessibility,
• road resurfacing,
• a new 20mph speed limit.

For more information about the scheme, visit www.essexhighways.org/east-hill. For any queries on the scheme, please email easthill@essexhighways.org