Clingoe Hill roadworks update

Essex Highways are undertaking works across Colchester to prepare for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and the A1331 link road. The RTS is a bus route which benefits from traffic prioritisation to complete its journey quickly and on time. The RTS will enhance connection for new and existing communities with key locations such as the hospital, railway station, city centre, and University. Once operational, the RTS is anticipated to achieve a 35% journey time saving when travelling between the Park and Ride at Colchester Sports Park and the city centre, and 20% between the University and the city centre.

A key part of the route is Clingoe Hill, running alongside our Colchester Campus, which will be widened to accommodate a dedicated RTS lane running towards Colchester.

As part of the works, Essex Highways will temporarily close the junction where vehicles turn into campus from Colchester and turn out of campus towards Elmstead Market. Traffic will be affected from late August 2024 until autumn 2025.

Map of where the road is closed:

Alternative routes available

The official Essex Highways diversion is as follows:

Coming into campus from Colchester: head towards Elmstead Market 

Vehicles will not be able to turn right into campus. They will continue along the A133 to the junction with the B1028 towards Wivenhoe, turn around at the traffic lights, and return along the A133 to the campus entrance. This junction can be found on what3words at ///fine.uses.moves.

Going out of campus to Elmstead Market: head towards Colchester

Vehicles will not be able to turn right onto the A133. They will turn left towards the Greenstead roundabout where they can turn around, then re-join the A133 towards Elmstead Market. This junction can be found on what3words at ///risks.lawn.shells.

Map showing road closure and Essex Highways official diversion:

To alleviate traffic congestion for our campus community at peak times, we will open the Capon Road barrier each day from 7am to 10am, and from 3pm to 7pm.

Due to safety risks from increased traffic, and to maintain clear access for buses, the Boundary Road barrier will remain in operation during this period. The safety of our campus community is our top priority at all times.

Map showing road closure points, routes onto campus, and the open Capon Road barrier:

Here are our top tips to help avoid delays:

Allow extra time

If you do need to travel at peak times, we advise allowing extra time for your journey.

Ditch the car

Avoid queues and delays altogether: rent a TIER e-bike or e-scooter, or dust off your own bike. You can find maps of on- and off-road cycle routes to the University on the Cycle Colchester website.

Not got a bike? Staff can save between 20% and 40% on the cost of a new bike, e-bike, and accessories using Cyclescheme. 

If you've not ridden in a while, get free training from the Council.

Alternatively, simply walk to work along a pleasant walking route. 

Let someone else do the driving

Option one: take one of the many bus routes which pass directly through campus and can drop you closer than the car park. See the discounts we offer on First Bus services, and staff can get a loan for a season ticket to avoid paying for it all up front.

Option two: travel by train with a 10% discount for University staff with Abellio Greater Anglia, as well as a 34% discount on off-peak journeys and children's travel for £1. Season ticket loans are available for staff travelling by train too. Hythe station is a 20-minute walk to campus: an ideal way to achieve your daily step count.

Option three: join the Essex Car Share scheme to get matched with a driver. It's good for your pocket, and one less car on the road means less congestion and fewer emissions, so it's good for the planet too.