A TROUBLESOME cycle lane which caused congestion chaos after it replaced a carriageway for vehicles has been removed.

The segregated cycle lane in Headgate, which connected Southway with Head Street in Colchester, was installed in 2020.

The route was created by Essex County Council as part of its Safer, Greener, Healthier scheme, designed to encourage walking and cycling in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was intended to connect Head Street with Butt Road, however, the plans for the latter didn’t go ahead due to a lack of funding.

And the infrastructure quickly caused a stir among residents as extensive tailbacks emerged for drivers at traffic pinch points such as Headgate and Southway.

Gazette: Congested - the cycle lane caused huge traffic tailbacks Congested - the cycle lane caused huge traffic tailbacks

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Colchester Council’s resources boss Sue Lissimore said she “insisted” Essex County Council removed the route after it became redundant amid the scrapping of the Butt Road cycle lane plans.

“This cycle lane wasn’t going anywhere or serving any purpose,” said Mrs Lissimore.

“The engineers wanted to keep it but I insisted it went because it was causing congestion.”

Workers removed the bollards overnight on Monday and a steadier stream of traffic returned to the town centre by the following day.

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who has spent almost two years campaigning against the cycle lane, says he welcomed the “overdue” decision and called for further action.

Gazette: Free-flowing - the scene yesterdayFree-flowing - the scene yesterday

He said: “I am grateful to Sue Lissimore for getting the bollards removed, she inherited this ludicrous situation, and the equally ludicrous set-up at North Station where buses are banned from a £1 million purpose-built bus lane - it’s crazy.

“I am now hoping she will wave the wand of common sense and get the bollards taken away there, so buses can once again use the bus lane, from under the bridge to Essex Hall Roundabout, with the result the worsened congestion there can be relieved.

“My surveys have shown few cyclists are using the former bus lane as a cycle lane.”

“It is great news the bollards have been removed at Headgate, but now let’s see the same degree of common sense with the closed bus lane near North Station.”