Colchester station cycling and walking network to improve

Essex County Council has confirmed plans for new infrastructure connecting Bruff Close to Albert Roundabout via Station Way and North Station Road, following funding from Active Travel England.

The improvements aim to support journeys to and from the city centre and form part of a wider north-south active travel corridor first consulted on in 2022.

Mark Webster, responsible for highways and infrastructure at Essex County Council, said: "This scheme will complete the gap between other recently completed walking and cycling improvements and make it safer and easier to travel on foot or by bike.

Cycling and walkway improvements coming for Colchester as part of major project (Image: ECC)

"By making use of existing footways and verges, and by maximising the available space within the highway boundary, no traffic lanes, bus lanes or highway capacity will be removed.

"This means we can strike that important balance between providing travel options and supporting drivers who need to get around."

The scheme will include shared-use paths, dedicated cycleways and a new crossing at Clarendon Way.

Bruff Close will benefit from new infrastructure (Image: Colchester Civic Society)

On Station Way, the footway and cycleway will be widened by moving the Wickes car park wall, but four trees will have to be removed and replaced.

On North Station Road, existing parking bays will be realigned but kept, while pedestrians will retain a 2-metre-wide footway.

Workers will also trim vegetation and replace or update signs.

Mr Webster said: "We will also use this scheme as an opportunity to address any defects on the footway, replace missing or damaged signage, and trim vegetation, which we know can frustrate local residents."

The consultation on replacement trees remains open until October 5.

The council says every tree removed will be replaced and maintained as part of the project.

"By making use of existing footways and verges and maximising the available space, there will be minimal need to reduce road space. As a result, the final scheme will not impact on traffic flow."

Residents can view the full proposals, images of the new crossing and details of the tree consultation at essexhighways.org/colchester-station-corridor.