Rapid Transit Lane works set to get underway on Clingoe Hill

A contraflow system will be introduced on the A133 to help manage traffic during the works.

Colchester’s new Rapid Transport System will move a step closer this September, with work set to get underway on a dedicated lane along the A133 at Clingoe Hill.

The dedicated public transport lane forms part of a priority route between the new Colchester Tendring Garden Community and key destinations around the city.

This will connect with the works underway on Northern Approach and the existing Park and Ride facility.

Undertaken by Milestone Infrastructure, the first stage of works on Clingoe Hill will see construction of a new carriageway section along the southern verge of the A133.

Works will involve redirecting one westbound lane into the eastbound side of the carriageway.

This will allow the existing eastbound slip to gradually move traffic over, maintaining two lanes for traffic heading into the city, while creating a safe working zone adjacent to the southern verge for carriageway widening.

To complete this work the eastbound entrance and exit to Boundary Road will be closed.

This means that during the works, it will not be possible to turn right into or out of Boundary Road.

A short diversion will be required in each direction for those needing to make that movement, details of which can be seen in this diversion route map. Left turns exiting Boundary Road will be maintained.

The contraflow system is due to be installed in the week commencing Monday 2 September and will be in place until Spring 2025.

Ahead of this, the team will be installing barriers with overnight closures in place eastbound from 9pm to 5am on Monday 2 September and westbound from 9pm to 5am on Tuesday 3 September.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “I am delighted that works are due to get underway on what, when operational, will provide transformational transport services across the city.

“Colchester is thriving, but too many of us are making very short journeys by car, which has a significant impact on congestion. We need to make it a genuinely easier choice to access public transport, and we also need to ensure that future housing growth is supported through high-quality transport infrastructure.”

Funding for the Colchester RTS and the nearby A1331 was granted through a successful £99.9million bid to Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. This funding was set up in recognition of the need to support housing projects such as the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community with the necessary supporting transport infrastructure.

More information and plans showing the full Clingoe Hill works can be seen at: www.essexhighways.org/colchester-rapid-transit. 

For questions about the scheme please email: rapidtransit@essexhighways.org