Colchester Rapid Transit

What is a rapid transit system?

A rapid transit system is a transport system which has priority over other forms of transport. 

Giving priority and ensuring the route connects key destinations across the city means journey time reliability, making it quicker and easier to travel.

In a thriving, growing city such as Colchester, providing high-quality public transport solutions will not only help grow the local economy, but also help reduce congestion and better connect the city. 

Rapid transit in Colchester

The planned route travels from the A12 Park and Ride to the University of Essex and the new Garden Community due to be developed close by. With stops along its route and the ambition to deliver services every few minutes, this will connect new and existing residents with key destinations including the hospital, railway station, city centre and university.

And with priority measures, modelling indicates that, once operational, the rapid transit will provide a 35% journey time saving when travelling between the park and ride and the city centre and 20% between the university and the city centre.

Once fully operational users can expect to see services unlike anything else in the city, with distinct vehicles, unique branding and modern ticketing and stops using the latest technologies.

With vehicle technology evolving at pace, we are also exploring different types of vehicles. Elsewhere in the country, for example, the West Midlands Sprint is introducing new hydrogen-based vehicles, while the Belfast Glider uses a diesel-electric engine.

Northern Approach works (Section A of RTS)

Along Northern Approach plans for a rapid transit corridor were first granted planning permission in 2006, with an initial design created in 2012. 

Forming part of the new Colchester Rapid Transit system, Colchester City Council approved a revised design in 2022. This sees the rapid transit lane moved further from properties along with new improved walking and cycling facilities created in line with latest design guidance.

Northern Approach is the first stage of the rapid transit infrastructure being constructed, and John Sisk and Sons Ltd have been appointed to undertake the work.

Work is progressing, with surfacing of the bus lane and cycle routes including the footways from Mill Road to Dickenson Road now underway.

Updates on the Northern Approach works can be seen in the contractor newsletter in the documents section below. Weekly lookaheads are also uploaded to this section that set out upcoming planned works.

Clingoe Hill works (Section C of RTS)

On Clingoe Hill a new rapid transit lane will help improve journey time reliability along this section of the route. New walking and cycling facilities will also provide links between the future Garden Community development and the city's existing walking/cycling network.

Milestone Infrastructure are lead contractor for the construction of the new infrastructure along Clingoe Hill. Works continue to progress to schedule. Over the winter months the focus of the Milestone team has been on the central reservation element and has seen the installation of a new pedestrian crossing, surface water drainage, new kerblines, vehicle restraint system and a section of landscaping.

In line with the Milestone Infrastructure’s phasing diagram. the team are now moving to ‘Phase 3’ of the scheme, which will focus on the Northern Verge. This phase will see construction of the new footway and cycleway. This element will run through to the summer

Slideshow of ongoing Clingoe Hill works (Section C of RTS)

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Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

Works on Rapid Transport Section C, Clingoe Hill

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Got a question?

If you have a question about rapid transit, the proposals for Colchester or any of the specific scheme works, please do not hesitate to contact the project team by emailing rapidtransit@essexhighways.org