DISRUPTIVE road works are set to run at least five months longer than expected and will cost at least £255,000 more than originally thought.

Essex County Council had originally hoped to finish work in Colne Bank Avenue, Colchester - which will see two lanes of traffic travelling in each direction - by the end of last year.

But as a result of unforeseen problems, motorists’ misery is set to continue until May.

A freedom of information request also shows the project cost has jumped by more than £250,000 from a planned £1,215,362 to £1,470,000.

The overrun has been put down to problems with the structure of the existing bridge over the River Colne and work which was carried out to keep three lanes of traffic open over the Christmas period.

Civil engineers are now on site and are working to make the bridge stronger so it can support four lanes of traffic.

David Burch, director of policy at Essex Chambers of Policy said: “Colchester has become a victim of its own success.

“Its economy is booming but that is having a negative impact in terms of traffic and congestion.

“I know from personal experience sitting in traffic between North Station and Colne Bank Avenue, it can be pretty soul destroying and people will be wondering why it is taking so long.”

He added although highways bosses have heavily promoted the Colchester Park and Ride, using the bus is not an option for many workers so congestion will continue to be a problem for the town.

Mr Burch added: “Buses are an alternative but they are not ideal for some people, particularly those who will want flexibility and access to their car to go on visits or to see customers.”

The policy director said a survey carried out by the chambers showed although some delays do not impact of businesses significantly, for some it means losing thousands of pounds.

He added: “To be blunt, congestion and delays can be quite disastrous for businesses.”

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell said he had flagged the strength of the bridge with Essex Highways engineers during an initial consultation but was assured there would be no problem.

He said: “I was just a layperson who had seen some photographs of when it was glazed paving over the bridge to allow for sunlight to get into the old swimming pool changing rooms.

“I questioned whether the structure would be strong enough to take four lanes of traffic. If an engineer tells you there is no problem, you assume there is no problem.

“But maybe now they should have thought twice after I brought it up. A cost increase of £250,000 isn’t a small number at all.”

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “Estimated costs for schemes sometimes have to be readjusted due to unforeseen factors experienced on-site once works begin.

“In the case of Colne Bank Avenue, costs increased for a number of reasons including design changes to the structural wall, unforeseen issues with the existing bridge structure and additional traffic management to allow traffic to flow more freely for residents and businesses during the busy festive period.”