Making it easier to get to and around Colchester

Heritage towns were not designed to cope with the demands of 21st century traffic but what's the solution? A range of approaches are being considered which are intended to make it easier to get around Colchester: improving access for buses, making it easier to cycle, more attractive to walk around and improving air quality by reducing unnecessary traffic in the town centre.

Read on to find out more about what's happening ...

Cycle Colchester: Colchester was awarded 'Cycle Town' status in 2009 along with £4.2m funding. This three-year project brought new routes and cycle parking facilities as well as raising awareness of cycling through the hosting of major cycling events in the town centre all aimed at encouraging more people to cycle more often.

 Traffic in the High Street  will be restricted from Sunday 17th March 2013 on an experimental basis for one year to improve public transport journey times and make Colchester town centre a more attractive area for all users.  The main changes to town centre access still relate to the High Street with access restrictions introduced on neighbouring streets including Head Street and North Hill. Access to the High Street for all cars and delivery vehicles will now only be restricted between 11am and 6pm, rather than the previously proposed 10am.   Full details of all the traffic changes can be found in this link.

Public transport: ideas are currently being developed that aim to increase the use and efficiency of public transport and create safer and more attractive streets by reducing unnecessary traffic in the town centre.  A  new bus station opened in November 2012 in Osborne Street and the old bus station closed.  Here is further information about the arrangements for relocating the bus station.  The new high quality passenger facilities include the upgrade of the Vineyard Street lift ensuring the new facility is fully accessible from the main shopping areas in the town centre.

Getting around on foot. All this new development will see Colchester become more attractive for local people and visitors. Finding your way around easily is a really important part of any visit.

New A12 junction: This £11.2m project was completed 3 months ahead of schedule in December 2010, bringing much needed relief to busy roads in north Colchester.  Northern Approach Road: This £9.8m project will complete in 2013 and will link the new A12 junction with Mill Road, and onwards to the town centre.  New Park and Ride: The Planning Application for a Park and Ride site, providing around 1000 car parking spaces at North Colchester is imminent. This facility will provide an attractive alternative to parking in the town centre