More progress on Colchester street improvements with introduction of semi-permanent measures

In June, temporary ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ public safety and social distancing measures were introduced in Colchester. Next week, upgrades to the existing street equipment will be made.

There will be new types and colours of semi-permanent barriers and other roadside items which will require less maintenance, will be more robust, will help identification of the new areas and also reduce confusion with routine roadworks.

Since the rapid introduction in June of the initial temporary measures with Colchester Borough Council many people, including residents, special interest groups and businesses have made suggestions for improvements.

The measures have been monitored and a group made up of local councillors has met and discussed various options and concerns.

Examples of the upgrades to take place include; adjustments to allow better access to businesses in North Station Road and removal of some trial measures to reduce local congestion in the same area; returning areas of the carriageway back to parking spaces and detailed changes to the cycle route from St Peters St to the High St. An expansion of the 20mph speed limit into adjacent side-streets is also being considered.

Essex Highways is now preparing to make the changes, upgrading existing traffic management equipment to ‘semi-permanent’ measures. This will include different forms of barrier and lane separators and other physical measures. Where possible, the semi-permanent changes will be made distinguishable from roadworks.

These measures will remain in place whilst long-term plans are considered and developed.

Feedback and ideas are still very welcome via SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk as the discussions about longer-term aims and plans to make our streets Safer, Greener and Healthier continue.

Now is the time to rethink your travel for short journeys to help ease congestion, clean up air pollution, and improve your health. To help you make the change, you can also now visit the Stop. Swap. GO! website to find out more and how you can win prizes with a 60 Day Challenge currently on offer.