MORE disruption is set to take place in Ipswich Road in Colchester with seven weeks of lane closures planned in order to repair a crumbling bridge over the railway line.

Essex Highways has announced one lane of the carriageway at the roundabout will close from Monday as part of the first stage of repair works to Cowdray Bridge.

Hidden damage was identified to the bridge during the two-and-a-half-year £6.5 million roadworks scheme in the area, which finished at the end of March.

Initial repairs were completed at the time, however, further structural works to the bridge are needed.

Crumbling - Cowdray Bridge is damaged Picture: Essex Highways

Crumbling - Cowdray Bridge is damaged Picture: Essex Highways

Essex Highways posted online: “We have now been granted permission by Network Rail to carry out the works which will be managed by Eurovia on behalf of Essex Highways.

“Activities will begin on Monday June 7 and are expected to continue until the end of August.

“As a traffic sensitive site, efforts will be being made to keep disruption to a minimum although lane reductions will be needed on Ipswich Road roundabout between Ipswich Road South and Cowdray Avenue during the first phase of works.

“This will ensure the safe separation of pedestrians and the workforce from passing vehicles.”

One lane of traffic between Ipswich Road south and Cowdray Avenue will be maintained during the works.

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Essex Highways says it will look to reopen further lanes “as soon as it is safe and practical to do so”.

If work moves ahead as planned this will likely be by the end of July.

Working hours will be between 8am and 5pm, however, lane restrictions will remain in place 24 hours a day.

The Cowdray Avenue bridge. Picture: Essex Highways

The Cowdray Avenue bridge. Picture: Essex Highways

Essex Highways added: “We encourage drivers to plan their journeys, and to allow additional travelling time if passing through the area, taking particular care to observe lane restrictions and traffic management in place.

“Bus operators have been informed of the roadworks so that adjustments can be made to their services if required.”

Motorists suffered enduring delays during the work to replace double roundabouts with single ones in Ipswich and Harwich roads.

Some businesses were also hit as drivers avoided the area.

Temporary fencing installed at the scene will be replaced with examples more “aesthetically suited” to the area as part of the works.

For updates on the latest scheme, visit bit.ly/3g1IJUl.