A PETITION calling for nightmare roadworks to be sped up has hit nearly 1,000 signatures in 48 hours.

Residents have been up in arms for the past month after works which aim to improve Ipswich Road and Harwich Road,in Colchester, started.

Numerous road closures and diversions have caused traffic mayhem, with delays lasting hours and affecting business.

Popular Twitter handle ‘Colchester Views’ launched the online petition in a bid to get Essex Highways to speed up the works.

At the moment the work is planned to last more than a year and will overhaul the junction of Ipswich Road, Cowdray Avenue and St Andrew’s Avenue, and Harwich Road and St Andrew’s Avenue.

The petition states: “After a few weeks of the Ipswich Road and Harwich Road roadworks, Colchester is suffering.

“The endless queues are taking their toll on businesses, deliveries and individuals trying to get around.

“The 15+ month schedule isn’t acceptable.

“No longer can we tolerate four men working there and the site empty at weekends and after 3pm.

“Imagine the chaos at Christmas when everyone is in their car.

“I think we should show the strength of feeling by collating a list of people unhappy with this scheme which may or may not work.”

The target was 1,000 signatures, and within 48 hours the petition reached more than 900.

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 two lanes in each direction.

Essex Highways said the scheme will improve the performance of these two key roads and renewal of the infrastructure will reduce maintenance costs.

A spokesman added: “Whilst efforts will be made to keep traffic congestion to a minimum throughout these improvements, it is recognised that works will be undertaken in traffic sensitive areas and there is likely to be disruption to normal traffic flows.

“Motorists are advised to allow extra time travelling through the area.”

To see the petition visit www.

thepetitionsite.com/873/867/816/ speed-up-roadworks-at-ipswichroad.