PLANS have been revealed for a two-way segregated bus lane running from the north of Colchester towards the town centre with the emphasis on sustainable transport.
The new bus corridor will run parallel to the A134, Northern Approach Road, connecting Via Urbis Romanae and Bruff Close.
Plans are part of the development of a so-called “rapid transit system” in the town, which will eventually run from Colchester Park and Ride to the planned 9,000 home new town, or garden community, near Elmstead.
In use between 6am and 10pm each day, the bus corridor will have a 3m wide cycle track and 2m wide pedestrian pathway running alongside.
Funding for the first parts of the system, along with a new link road between the A133 and A120, has been secured from the Government as part of a £99 million Housing Infrastructure Fund bid.
A planning report, prepared by Ringway Jacobs on behalf of Essex County Council, says: “The proposed scheme will help to enable modal shift within Colchester, through the re-allocation of road space for public transport and active modes and will support the growth of the future garden community.
“The proposed design for phase one of section A of the rapid transit system has been designed to ensure safety of its users and incorporates appropriate mitigation for existing residents.
“The alignment of the busway is proposed further away from properties lining the western side of the corridor and new nursery grown semi mature trees are proposed to create a green buffer between property boundaries and the busway.
“Opportunities have also been taken to include as much planting as practicable along the length of the corridor and improve pedestrian and cycling connections and landscaping at Bruff Close.”
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New signalised crossings with “intelligent priority” for buses are planned along with adjustments to junctions. Stops will be set up along the route at key locations such as near Colchester Hospital.
Construction could be complete by 2024, with new vehicles set to come into service from 2026.
Colchester Council will have the final say.
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