How did the project come about?
Essex County Council had identified the need to upgrade the A133 Clingoe Hill, an essential route serving the University of Essex and acting as a key gateway for Colchester’s eastern growth. The Corridor is a vital link for thousands of students, residents and commuters, as well as an enabler for future rapid transport solutions in the region. As part of the wider Colchester Rapid Transit System (RTS) C initiative, the project formed a central element in the council’s ambition to create more sustainable, high-quality public transport, active travel infrastructure and to future-proof the area for continued economic and community growth.
Challenge
The existing carriageway highlighted structural defects after years of intensive use. Following procurement through the Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework, M Group was tasked to deliver a comprehensive carriageway renewal, which included a full reconstruction and widening of Clingoe Hill, addressing deeply rooted pavement issues, as well as strengthening the carriageway and upgrading drainage and safety features. Due to the location, adjacent to the university, the improvements needed to be delivered while keeping disruption at a minimum for both the community in the area and for key stakeholders, which meant our team needed to work closely with residents and stakeholders to keep them informed of the works. The scheme also needed to prepare the corridor for future expansion without impacting ongoing access and local operations.
Solution
- The installation of bus priority infrastructure, future-ready for next-generation rapid transit services, reducing congestion and improving journey time reliability for public transport.
- The delivery of widened, accessible footways, continuous shared-use paths, segregated cycle tracks and upgraded pedestrian crossings to make sustainable travel more attractive and safer for all.
- Safer, more connected routes introduced via upgraded toucan and pedestrian crossings and signal improvements supporting active and sustainable travel.
Throughout the project, M Group was aware of its potential impact on the environment and worked actively with their client and stakeholders to manage this. This included introducing programme phases, noise and dust controls. They also reused materials where suitable to reduce environmental impact and lower the carbon footprint of the project. The approach ensured the works were delivered responsibly while maintaining essential access for road users.
Result
A future-ready transport corridor: The A133 Clingoe Hill is now a modern corridor supporting Essex County Council’s ambition for a high-quality rapid transit network and a shift towards more sustainable local travel.
David Llewellyn, Construction & Infrastructure Director, said: “Projects like the A133 Clingoe Hill Corridor demonstrate the value of early collaboration and strategic procurement in delivering vital infrastructure improvements. Through The Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Framework, Essex County Council was able to bring together the right delivery partners at the right time, enabling early contractor involvement, efficient project planning and proactive risk management. The result is a future-ready transport corridor that not only enhances connectivity and supports sustainable travel but also provides long-term value for the local community. We’re proud to have supported the successful delivery of a scheme that will help underpin Colchester’s continued growth and development for years to come.”
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