VIEWS are being sought on a planned revamp of a Colchester road after “modifications” were made in response to “significant objections”.
A draft Traffic Regulation Order for Essex County Council-led plans for Crouch Street West has been published for public consultation.
The plans detail a revamp of the road in a bid to improve provision for cyclists and pedestrians.
The original consultation involved the removal of all parking on the north side of Crouch Street West.
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A statement alongside the amended plans said: “The majority of the objections relate to the removal of this parking, therefore, the revised proposal for Crouch Street West includes a modified road and cycle track layout, which retains more parking with specific users and times in mind.
“Discussions undertaken also identified a need for a disabled parking bay and timed loading and unloading.
“Therefore, an area for a disabled bay and four other bays, located on the north side of Crouch Street West, are included in the revised design.”
The plans detail how the proposed cycle track has been modified to accommodate the proposed parking bays, with a one-metre gap between the track and the bays.
The underpass running under Balkerne Hill connecting Crouch Street West and East is to be filled in and replaced with a signal controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.
Lee Scott, Essex County Council's highways boss, said: “Throughout the development of proposals for improving walking and cycling in Crouch Street West in Colchester we have listened to feedback from residents and businesses.
“Our engagement with the local community on the proposals included sending leaflets to schools in the surrounding area."
He added: “The safety of pedestrians, cyclists and disabled users of Crouch Street West has been the utmost priority throughout the process of identifying the best option for investing Active Travel England Funding in Crouch Street West.
“The recommended option will see the underpass under Balkerne Hill replaced with a new safer crossing for both cyclists and pedestrians, with improved space and accessibility as it joins directly onto a wide paved area on Crouch Street East.
"The existing subway is substandard, with vertical ramp angles and widths that no longer comply with design standards, and it is unusable for disabled users.
“I believe the recommendation puts forward changes that will create a space that is safer, greener and healthier for pedestrians and cyclists.”
The consultation, including the full plans, can be found on the Essex Highways website.
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