Colchester cycle infrastructure works delayed by gas leak

A two-way lane running through Head Street will be completed next Friday as planned, but the final part of the scheme – a crossing junction with Culver Street West which was also due to be finished next Friday – now faces delays.

The council has said a gas leak which was uncovered by workers on-site last week has meant Cadent, a gas emergency service, has been brought in to carry out repairs.

A spokesman for Cadent has insisted the incident was not a result of the cycle lane construction work.

On track - the Head Street cycle lane will still be finished next Friday, Essex County Council said (Image: Newsquest)

Council bosses, meanwhile, added they had no choice but to pause the construction works whilst safety checks were carried out.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “As ever, the safety of the public and those working on the scheme is our primary concern.

“Workers on site acted promptly to report the leak and we have been liaising with Cadent.

“Works were initially stopped while the matter was investigated and Cadent is continuing to monitor the situation but has advised it is safe for the majority of our works to resume.

“On that basis, we expect most of the works to be completed as planned and for the new cycleway to open by the end of the month, including the traffic signals and pedestrian crossings at the Head Street junction with High Street.”

The uninterrupted progress of the cycle junction between Head Street and the High Street will be welcomed by campaigners who have said the route has not been safe for cyclists since the 1960s.

But critics of the infrastructure have claimed the lanes are confusing and will lead to more city centre congestion.

Disruption - the cycle lane has taken several months to construct in Head Street (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

The spokesman apologised for the delay of the final part of the scheme, though it is not known how long the delay will be.

He said: “Unfortunately, the gas leak could delay completion of some final elements of the scheme, including the Culver Street West crossing.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“We will continue to work closely with Cadent and will do everything possible to minimise disruption while their repair work is completed.”