Walking and cycling improvements for East Hill in Colchester take another step forward
Plans for new walking and cycling route designed to make it safer and easier to travel into city centre.
Work on improving walking and cycling infrastructure to the east of Colchester is set to get underway in 2024.
Developed as part of the Colchester city Town Deal funding, improved infrastructure on East Hill will form part of a route between the City Centre, the University and Greenstead. This will ultimately link to the new Garden Community being developed to the east of the city.
The plans include segregated cycleways, new crossing facilities, raised sections on side roads to help accessibility, resurfacing, new bus stop layouts and changes in parking arrangements. It is also proposed to introduce a 20mph limit to improve overall safety.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “This project provides an exciting opportunity to better link the University and Greenstead with Colchester city centre by creating improved sustainable transport infrastructure. Work has recently completed on the Colne Causeway crossing, and design work is ongoing on the section of the scheme through the Moors, which will link to the East Hill section at East Bay. Creating these types of links are critical to ensuring future development is connected to the city centre and in helping grow the local economy.
“Providing good, safe, quality links between key locations can encourage people to get out of their car, reducing congestion, cutting pollution and helping to create a safer, greener, healthier Colchester.”
A tender process for the scheme is currently underway and following consultation and engagement with local residents and groups, Essex County Council has now published ‘Traffic Regulation Orders’. These allow local people to provide any comments on the specific changes to the highway.
Councillor Cunningham added: “Over the past year we have worked hard to take on board the constructive comments of local people, businesses and organisations to adapt and amend the scheme, creating the right balance between the needs of the existing community, those who use the services and amenities on East Hill and those travelling on it.
“The plans will enhance and improve the East Hill section of route, making it more accessible while also maintaining its rich historic character as a conservation area. We would like to thank everyone who has provided input and help shape them.”
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “2024 marks the beginning of a significant regeneration phase for our city centre. Working with Essex County Council, we’re connecting our communities with the city centre to create a better balance between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists for decades to come.
“Both councils are doing all we can to consult and listen, to welcome support and challenge from any, like us, who care deeply about their city. We thank all the constituents, from Greenstead to East Hill, who have shared their views so far.”
For more information on the scheme and to provide any comments to the Traffic Regulation Order, visit Colchester walking and cycling.