WORK to replace the footbridge across Balkerne Hill in Colchester is due to start on Monday.

The works are set to take until March to finish and drivers using St Mary's car park will be diverted via St Mary's Fields to Lexden Road roundabout as the slip-road onto Balkerne Hill from the car park will be shut.

Essex County Council is replacing the existing bridge with a wider bridge so both cyclists and pedestrians can share it.

Access to St Mary's car park will stay the same while works are carried out.

Pedestrians will be able to cross the road at the Crouch Street crossing or at the subway at Middleborough roundabout.

There will be some full road closures to Balkerne Hill overnight at certain weekends to remove the old bridge and install the new one.

These details will be available on the Essex County Council website, which can be accessed via www.colchester.gov.uk/parking.

Colchester Council has advised drivers to consider parking at St John's or Priory Street Car Parks when Balkerne Hill is shut.

Colchester Borough Council's portfolio holder for Safer Communities and Licensing, councillor Mike Lilley, said: "We are keen to stress to the public that St Mary's Car Park will remain open during the footbridge replacement works on Balkerne Hill, and an alternative vehicle exit routes from the car park via St Mary's Fields will be available."