ESSEX County Council has said major roadworks are necessary to improve traffic flow at busy roundabouts in Colchester.

Essex Highways is working with Eurovia to improve junctions at Ipswich Road.

The work is due to start this month and is expected to last until the end of next year.

The scheme will see the replacement of the double roundabouts at Ipswich Road and Harwich Road with a single roundabout at each location.

The carriageway between Ipswich Road and Harwich Road junctions will also be widened to form two lanes in each direction.

The scheme will include upgrading pedestrian crossings to signal controlled crossings, and general improvements to the cycle paths and footpaths.

Essex Highways said: “The scheme will improve the performance of these two key intersections on the A133 and renewal of the infrastructure will reduce maintenance costs.

“It will also improve the existing highway assets including the strengthening of the retaining wall between Ipswich Road roundabout and the adjoining railway line.

“It is recognised this is a traffic sensitive site and residents and businesses will have a keen interest in the work phases and traffic management.

“With this in mind, we held a meet the contractor drop-in session with the Eurovia team to discuss the arrangements in place.

“We were pleased with the turnout and received positive feedback, especially around the road layout, crossing upgrades, the new zebra crossing and the new slip lanes.

“We hope we were able to reassure residents and provide contacts for any future correspondence.”

Various temporary road closures will be in place and the sections of road affected will be Ipswich Road to the south and the north of the roundabout, and Harwich Road to the south of the roundabout.

Residents who are directly affected will be notified in advance through letter drops and signage on site.