Northern Approach scheme update

Following initial works undertaken earlier this year, John Sisk & Sons have been appointed by Essex County Council to undertake the construction alongside the A134 Northern Approach Road.

These works will consist of the construction of a new dedicated segregated (away from other traffic) busway, signalisation and upgrading of junctions along the corridor, high-quality walking and cycling facilities, ehanced bus stop areas and amenity space, all supported by a robust tree and planting package. All to be installed within the green space west of the A134 between Mill Road to the north and Bruff Close to the south.

Enabling Works

Enabling works will be undertaken throughout the month of July. This will include:

• Grass cutting and scrub clearance.
• Utilities surveys
• Trial holes
• Installation of temporary traffic management
• Noise and dust monitoring

These works have now commenced. As these works are mainly being undertaken within the green space behind the existing acoustic barrier there will be little or no impact to the running of the A134 carriageway.

Main Works

Main works on the scheme will be starting from 29th July 2023 with the installation of permanent traffic management on the A134 Corridor. This traffic management will be placed under an overnight closure along the existing western kerb line. The existing signals will be turned off and temporary traffic signals erected in their place to safely control the new road layout. Two lanes of traffic along the A134 will be always maintained one north and one southbound. The western footpath will be closed with the east remaining open throughout the duration of the scheme.

Pedestrian and cycle access to Colchester Hospital halfway up the A134 will be always maintained.

The northbound bus stop along the A134 will be relocated outside of the permanent traffic management locations.

On 8th August 2023 the main civils works will commence along the length of the scheme. This will consist of:

• Removal of existing signs and bus shelters
• Removal of existing acoustic barrier
• Topsoil stripping
• Deeper drainage elements (including installation of a new attenuation tank just north of Bruff Close)
• General earthworks
• Installation of carriageway kerbs and footway edgings
• Road construction
• Utilities diversions
• Street lighting
• Traffic signals
• Asphalting
• Landscaping

The above works will be undertaken with a multitude of construction plant and machinery to ensure the works are carried out as efficiently as possible, keeping the impacts to the residents and stakeholders to a minimum.

The scheme is due for completion in Spring/ Summer 2024. For any construction queries please email RTSstakeholderliason@sisk.co.uk