Work on a new walking and cycling route on East Hill in Colchester is set to begin in the coming weeks, marking the first step in a major effort to improve travel links across the city. The project, managed by Essex Highways, through Essex Highways aims to create a safer and more accessible connection for residents moving between the city centre, Greenstead, the University of Essex, and the planned new neighbourhood at the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community.
The construction, which will be carried out by Octavius Infrastructure, is expected to take 12 months to complete. When finished by mid-2027, the route will feature new cycleways, improved pavements, upgraded bus stops with dedicated waiting areas, and new parking arrangements. To help improve safety and accessibility, the project will also include road resurfacing, raised sections on side roads, and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit.
This initiative is part of a larger plan supported by Colchester City Council, which secured government funding through a Town Deal bid in August 2022. Because other major building works are taking place in the area, including the St Botolph’s Quarter regeneration, the project team says they will coordinate their activities closely with other contractors to help keep traffic moving.
The wider development plan is closely linked to the proposed Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, a significant project currently working through the planning process to deliver 7,750 homes. Infrastructure supporting this growth includes a new link road backed by Homes England and developer Latimer, ensuring that as the city grows, new and existing communities remain well-connected.
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