St Botolph's Circus Regeneration update
Work has been progressing quickly on the St Botolph’s Circus site. The recent overnight closures have helped to reduce disruption and these will continue as set out below.
The team has been continuing to work in the subways, with the electrics now disconnected. Trial holes have been dug to track the course of a deeply buried water main. These investigation holes are then promptly filled so that pressure on the buried pipework is not compromised.
Drainage investigations are also continuing using a specialised endoscope, alongside further investigations into ducts around Magdalen Street.
On the roundabout, the team has been tackling reinforced concrete as space is made for chambers and pipes to be installed that will capture rainwater and other road run-off. Viable concrete is crushed and re-used as recycled aggregate.
Eagle-eyed passers-by may have spotted wooden stakes being placed at various positions around the roundabout. These are being used to indicate the new size and shape of the roundabout.
Looking ahead
Next week, works are set to continue to remove the murals from the subways. Subway lighting will also be removed, allowing excavation works to begin for the new roundabout layout.
Work will also continue to create space for drainage chambers and pipes that will manage rainwater run-off. Acoustic barriers will be in use at specific locations to help reduce overnight noise disruption.
Overnight works
To help minimise disruption as the regeneration works continue at St Botolph’s Circus, overnight works have commenced. This will see ducting installed beneath the road surface to enable the installation of traffic signals and street lighting.
The team will also be removing existing road markings and installing temporary road barriers. Measures will be in place to minimise the impact of noise and vibration while the work is underway. During the closures, alternative routes will be clearly signposted.
When diversions are routed through St John's Street, the bus gate will be suspended and the enforcement cameras will not be in operation. Outside of the night-time works, the bus gate will remain in operation and the cameras will continue to enforce restrictions.
Please note the amended closure dates and times below:
- Magdalen Street: Eastbound is complete and open. Westbound remains closed weeknights because of newly discovered unknown services and obstructions which need to be managed. This work now extends until 22nd September. 9pm to 5am. Diversions will be routed through Barrack Street, Hythe Quay, Cowdray Avenue, Cymbeline Way and Lexden Road.
- St Botolph’s Street: Southbound is open; works have been completed ahead of time allowing the road to be opened early. Northbound remains closed until Friday 25th September as planned. 9pm to 5am. Diversions northbound routed via Magdalen Street, Brook Street, East Hill and onto St Botolph’s Street.
- Southway will be closed eastbound from 22nd September for five weeknights - 11pm to 5am. Diversions will be routed via Cymbeline Way, Cowdray Avenue, Greenstead Roundabout, Elmstead Road, Hythe Quay and Barrack Street. Traffic from Osborne Street will be sent through the bus gate and onto St John’s Street.
- St Botolph’s Circus roundabout will be closed in full for one weeknight on 30th September - 9pm to 5am. Multiple diversions will be in operation.
To register for regular updates on St Botolph's Circus Regeneration and the nearby East Hill walking and cycling improvements please email colchestercitycentre@essexhighways.org.
For St Botolph's Circus works construction queries please email: stbotolphscircus@jackson-civils.co.uk or call 07483 602 410.
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