DOUBTS have been raised over whether an overhaul of Colchester’s transport network will solve the problem of the town’s biggest bottleneck.

The finishing touches are being put to the North Colchester Travel Strategy, a plan to relieve congestion in and around North Station.

The strategy focuses on encouraging more people to cycle, walk or use public transport, but includes proposed changes to the road network.

A large roundabout, or a series of roundabouts, in Northern Approach Road, Bruff Close and Mile End Road could replace the existing junction.

Also mooted are new sliproads in Colne Bank Avenue, extra lanes linking the Colne Bank, Essex Hall and Albert roundabouts, and the conversion of North Station Road to a two-way bus lane.

The proposals are in a draft planning document aimed at minimising the impact of an 1,800-home development proposed for 100 hectares of land in Nayland Road.

Robert Leng, president of Colchester and District Chamber of Commerce, said the one guaranteed way of reducing congestion would be to create another bridge underneath the railway line linking Asda in Turner Rise with Cowdray Avenue.

But he admitted it would be too expensive.

He said: “Once you’ve got nearly 2,000 houses at Mile End and another 1,500 at Severalls Hospital, it’s going to have a massive impact on what is already a very congested area.

“Transport connectivity is one of the prime considerations if you relocate a business.”

Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell said he had no confidence in the ability of Essex County Council to come up with a solution.

He said: “I do not see how building another 4,000 dwellings in Mile End is going to lead to less congestion at North Station.

“Quite bluntly, too many new homes are being foisted on Mile End.” Developers Mersea Homes and Countryside Properties intend to submit an application in the spring for outline planning permission for the homes, a primary and secondary school, a shopping precinct and more.

Tracey Chapman, county councillor responsible for highways, said the strategy was still being finalised and had to be approved by Colchester Council.

Stuart Cock, managing director of Mersea Homes, said he was pleased the travel strategy would promote the use of public transport for journeys into Colchester.

A consultation has been launched on the draft supplementary planning document and runs until February 17.

The draft document will be discussed at the parish halls in Mile End Road from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday and from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday.