WORKS on a major Colchester transport project are reaching the end of phase one, but disruption must be acknowledged.
Clingoe Hill has been a talking point across the city since Rapid Transit System (RTS) works began in September.
Nearly a year on, the much-used route between Colchester and Tendring has caused much traffic disruption and delays to proceedings.
Relief – Many will be thankful the first phase of works are complete on the city-wide transport system (Image: NQ) Entering the final touches of the Clingoe Hill phase, Essex County Council (ECC) say there are a few finishing touches which will be completed during the night time closures this month.
Outstanding works are surfacing, commissioning of traffic signals, streetlighting and signs.
These works take place between August 6 and August 22 in two sets.
Diversions will be in place to re-route traffic via the A120.
The road will be closed from 8pm and will follow the below schedule:
Progress – An aerial shot of Clingoe Hill (Image: ECC) If the contractor remains on schedule, works should be completed following minor supplementary works at the beginning of September.
The idea of the RTS system as stated by ECC is “high-quality public transport solutions will not only help grow the local economy, but also help reduce congestion and better connect the city”.
Councillor for Greenstead, Tim Young has seen much disruption in his ward while works have been taking place.
He said: “The disruption on Clingoe Hill has been very irritating and, yet again, the communication from Essex Highways has been appalling.
Pleased – Councillor Tim Young (Image: NQ) “We knew there would be congestion and holdups but there were times when Essex County Council could have gone the extra mile to forewarn local residents and us, their elected representatives about some of the problems that have arisen.
“This is in contrast to M Group Limited, the contractors, who have kept us informed at every stage and who have done their best to minimise disruption and keep the project on time and on budget.
“The ward councillors are glad to see the completion of the first phase and hope ECC will learn lessons as we move on to further phases.
“We are hopeful that, in the end, the outcome will provide better access, quicker journey times and increased use of public transport.
“If that happens it will all be worth it.”
MP for north Essex and Harwich, Sir Bernard Jenkin also had his say on the problems residents have faced due to the works.
Apprehensive – Sir Bernard Jenkin (Image: NQ) He said: “The RTS will only be effective when the second phase of the link road is complete, so people can get to north station as quick as possible along the A12 and down the northern approaches.
“The temporary disruption isn’t warranted.
“It’s up in the air at the moment and as we know my stance, I think starting the link road before we have the backing is the wrong idea but I hope I’m proved wrong.
“Like most, I try to avoid Colchester because of the traffic.”
The first phase of the multi-million pound Rapid Transit System (RTS) works on Clingoe Hill began back in September 2024, with an original completion date of spring 2025.
The primary task for phase one was to widen the road on the southern verge.
This involved:
The initial phase looked to target central reservation works, construction of a new pedestrian crossing and the installation of surface water drainage.
It moved into the final phase at the end of March, with the third part planned to take 90 days whilst they work on the northern verge.
The third phase focused on:
Since the start of the works, we’ve seen issues caused in the way of traffic and motorists being severely delayed.
Drama – An image from the fuel spill chaos on Clingoe Hill (Image: NQ) In October, a fuel spill on Clingoe Hill led to traffic drama across the city due to it being shut.
Drivers suffered hours of unrest as the incident which happened at around 1pm on the day, failed to reopen before rush hour.
In November, we reported on a motorist who had broken down on Clingoe Hill who wasn’t picked up on the recovery cameras.
Then later the same evening a second car broke down behind her adding to the issues for drivers.
On this occasion police had to hold up the traffic in order to get to her and chaos ensued.
