A DISRUPTIVE road closure has finally ended...but motorists are being warned to expect another busy road to be shut in the coming weeks.

A huge project to turn double roundabouts at Ipswich and Harwich Roads in Colchester to single roundabouts has been causing traffic woes since before Christmas.

But the delays have been made even worse over the last fortnight as Essex Highways were forced to completely shut Ipswich Road between the roundabouts and Fenwick Drive to allow Anglian Water to take on mains work.

But the excavation and pipe laying hit a snag when an existing water main was not where it was thought to be and a new trench had to be dug meaning the closure was extended.

The road was finally reopened yesterday easing traffic in the area.

But bosses at Essex Highways, who are behind the overall project, have warned a section of Harwich Road is now set to shut.

The street will be closed between the roundabouts and the junction of Greenstead Road from April 1 for three weeks.

In a progress report, a spokesman said: “We are pleased to announce Ipswich Road has re-opened following a section of utility diversion works that required a full road closure.

“Please be aware, however, a second closure for utility diversion works is planned on Harwich Road.

“The road will be closed on both sides of the carriageway from the junction of Greenstead Road in a north easterly direction for a distance of approximately 190m to its junction with the Harwich Road roundabouts. 

“The works are being carried out during the working hours of 7am until 8pm, however, due to safety reasons the traffic management is required at all times.

“Access is being maintained for residents from the southern side of the closure and full access is being maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.

“A suitable signed diversion route has been provided for all other network users who wish to reach a destination beyond the location of the above mentioned closures.”

Work is expected to continue until spring 2020.