Atrocious weather will bring further misery to rush hour commuters in Colchester as extensive flooding has delayed the completion of important road works.

For the last four weeks, motorists have faced diversions and long queues of slow-moving traffic when Warren Lane, Stanway, was closed so road improvement work could be carried out.

And now, following extensive flooding in the area, Warren Lane, which was due to re-open yesterday (Monday), will remain closed for a further week to enable contractors to complete the last section of road construction.

Barry Layzell , head of highway and engineering services at Colchester Council, said: "I am very disappointed that the works have been delayed again, but the level of flooding within the work area has prevented the contractors from making any real progress over the last week."

He added: "I appreciate how frustrating this delay must be to motorists and residents on the diversion route.

"I am sure that Tarmac will be taking all reasonable steps to complete the work once the flood water has receded."

Mr Layzell said last week the road was under several feet of water and would have been impassable to traffic even if the road works had been complete.

"The flooding has receded and has allowed contractors to get on with the job and the asphalt work is now complete, with just a few small issues remaining," he said.

The flood water has been coming from the pits on either side of the road, he added.

"The landowners are taking remedial action to address the problems and I am hopeful they will get on with this as soon as possible and that this will be achieved within the week," he said.

"The roadworks are complete, I just need reassurances the land drainage work on both sides of the road is complete - obviously I want the road back open for traffic as soon as possible."

By Lisa Cockrell

Reporter's e-mail: lisa_cockrell@thisisessex.co.uk

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