Stanway road closures lifted as roundabout project continues

Construction started on a four-arm roundabout at the Fiveways junction which will service Winstree Road, Blackberry Road, and Peartree Road, back in January.

It is linked to when councillors approved controversial plans for 420 homes at Fiveways Fruit Farm in Heath Road in 2019, which are being built by Mersea Homes and Hills Residential.

Contractor Natta Building Company has spent the last nine months working on the roundabout which will link to the development’s spine road.

Winstree Road roundabout (Image: NQ)

Natta finally removed the road closures Blackberry Road, Winstree Road, and Peartree Road on Saturday following a week-long delay due to extra work being needed.

The junction is now open with four-way traffic lights.

Stanway councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell said: “The reopening of Fiveways junction with four-way traffic lights marks another important step towards completion of the new roundabout and spine road.

"Once complete, the scheme will improve safety at the junction and help ease pressure on already busy local roads.

"I visited the site on Saturday to check that the roads had reopened as agreed and spent time monitoring traffic after speaking with the traffic management team.

"I know the closures have been frustrating for residents and local businesses, but they were necessary to allow construction work to be carried out safely.

Before reopening - the view from Peartree Road (Image: NQ)

"The move to traffic lights is a positive next step because it helps keep workers, pedestrians and drivers safe while avoiding the need for the longer diversion route.

"It should also support shorter journeys and easier access to the retail and business parks while the remaining works continue.

"I am pleased that Natta and the wider project team have continued to engage with residents by providing traffic management updates.

"Thank you to everyone for their patience while the new arrangements settle in.”