DRIVERS got a shock this week when an iconic feature in Colchester town centre vanished.

Balkerne Bridge, over Balkerne Hill, was removed by engineers from Essex County Council at the weekend.

It is part of the council's works to replace the bridge with a wider one which will allow cyclists across as well as pedestrians.

The bridge had been closed off since last week, with people complaining they had not seen workers at the site.

However, on Saturday night the bridge was taken down.

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.

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 install the new bridge.

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.