CONCERNS have been raised major roadworks in Colchester, set to last more than a year, will not make a difference to traffic.

Contractor Eurovia has been appointed to lead a road improvement scheme in Ipswich Road, Colchester.

Following a public information event held in September 2016, comments have been taken into account and plans have been reviewed.

However, councillors and cycling campaigners are still sceptical about the plans.

Lee Scordis (Lab), councillor for Old Heath and Hythe, said it may be unnecessary.

He said: “I have got reservations about whether this will speed up traffic at all.

“It’s quite a costly project which might not be needed.

Cycling also seems to be neglected. It may not be safe for cyclists, particularly at the junction with Waitrose.”

He also raised issues of air quality, and said traffic would then be backed up to Brook Street while work is underway.

Cycling campaigner Will Bramhill also has reservations over the scheme.

He said: “The scheme is meant to integrate cycling, walking and motoring but it fails dismally in terms of cycling.

“Essex claims freer-running traffic will reduce pollution.

“Yes, this will be the case in the months after opening but after that traffic will build up again, resulting in more jams with more lorries and cars.

“This increased number of vehicles will emit more fumes than before the junction was altered.

“The east-west route is simply a renovation of what has been there for 20 years, but it is being made worse by the removal of the slip road into Waitrose and the reduction in size of the traffic island at the entrance to St Andrew’s Gardens.

“Either a cyclist will be killed there or cycling levels will dip.

“I am also concerned a breakdown or shunt will lock the entire junction and so all of northern Colchester.

“The county council has given assurance the three lanes around the Ipswich Road roundabout will be enough to clear traffic in the event of a crash.”

Essex Highways said advance warning notices and appropriate traffic management will be in place.

Temporary road closures will also be advertised in advance on site signage as well as on the council’s website.

They council also said every effort will be made to maintain access to homes and businesses, however, some delays may be experienced depending on the work going on at the time.