1 week Ago
ESSEX County Council has admitted it can be a “challenge” co-ordinating utility companies’ roadworks. The authority has come under fire from residents and politicians after disruption brought parts of the city’s transport network to a standstill earlier this week. Councillor Martin Goss, whose ward has been hit by long-running roadworks in Northern Approach Road, said the number of lane closures and sets of temporary traffic lights were down to “incompetency”.
Determined – Martin Goss has strongly criticised Essex County Council for their scheduling of roadworks across Colchester (Image: Steve Brading) He added that although Essex County Council cannot refuse permits for utility providers, the authority can still timetable the roadworks appropriately. A spokesman for County Hall explained how, in emergencies, utilities companies can start roadworks without a permit but must notify the authority within two hours of works starting. He said: “Anyone who wants to carry out activities on Essex roads must apply through the permit scheme.
“This ensures a fair, regulated and co-ordinated approach that minimises disruption. “However, in the event of an emergency, utility companies are able to notify us up to two hours after their works have already begun. “We cannot refuse a permit for burst water pipes, gas leaks, loss of supply and so on.
” “It can therefore be a challenge coordinating unplanned yet crucial roadworks around pre-approved and scheduled ones.” Essex County Council also confirmed that Colchester’s longest-running set of roadworks in Northern Approach Road will be finished next month, although an exact date for completion has not been announced. John Sisk and Son, the same contractor hired for A12 resurfacing project which ran over time and over budget, is currently carrying out the construction of a new bus lane as part of Colchester’s rapid transit system.
The project was initially due to finish last year before the completion date was postponed until May. The spokesman continued by insisting that Essex County Council does not carry out roadworks unnecessarily and thanked residents for their patience. Project – Clingoe Hill, pictured, will be the site of a new rapid transit bus lane (Image: Essex County Council) He continued: “We appreciate roadworks can cause disruption and we always do our best to minimise them wherever possible “However, roadworks are essential to carry out repairs and make improvements without delay - they would not be allowed to go ahead if they were not necessary.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of road users and residents during times like these.”.
