Milestone Infrastructure, a part of M Group Services’ Transport Division, is proud to be undertaking highways improvements on A133 Clingoe Hill, Colchester, as part of Essex County Council’s Rapid Transit Scheme.
The scheme represents a significant investment in public transport in the city, with the development of a priority lane for buses, and improved walking and cycling facilities. The upgrade forms part of the new Tendring Colchester Borders Community, allowing new and existing residents to benefit from frequent, high-quality and reliable transport, connecting to key destinations within the town.
The project was awarded to Milestone following a competitive tender through Pagabo’s Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Framework, managed by Pagabo on behalf of contracting authority QE Facilities. As a procurement specialist, Pagabo manages framework agreements on behalf of public sector contracting authorities, ensuring a quick and compliant route to finding the most suitable contractor.
The Clingoe Hill section of the rapid transit scheme, which commenced in June 2024, will see Milestone use its expertise to deliver major bus, walking, cycling and road improvements. The project will last 15 months, with a completion date of September 2025.
The scope of works includes the construction of a two-way rapid transit corridor along the existing A133, the creation of a new bus-only traffic lane on the westbound corridor and the installation of new traffic signals to the Knowledge Gateway/University Junction, to allow quicker access to the westbound A133 for buses.
Working with Essex County Council in its commitment to promote active travel, a 5m wide shared footway/cycleway will be installed, alongside improvements to existing footways and cycleways as part of the works.
Due to the location of this project, close to a brook, Milestone will continue to work closely with its ecologists and Environmental Team to ensure flood elevation measures, as well as ensuring the protection of wildlife habitation. Drainage measures include the installation of a large-scale attenuation tank to mitigate flooding to the highway.
In addition to highways improvements, the project will benefit Colchester’s communities through local employment opportunities and the use of local based supply chain partners.
Alan Babbage, Senior Contracts Manager at Milestone Infrastructure, said: “Milestone is excited to have embarked on this high-profile scheme for Essex County Council. Following other successful works within the county, we hope to build a long-lasting relationship with our client, our procurement partner, Pagabo, and the community.
“We are delighted with what has been achieved during phase one and we are looking forward to continuing on phase two of this integral upgrade scheme in 2025.”
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member responsible for Highways and Infrastructure at Essex County Council said: “The Colchester Rapid Transit System will ultimately help to transform how people move in and around the city.
“As an area which will see significant levels of growth in the coming years, we, alongside our city and district council colleagues are resolute in ensuring that we deliver the infrastructure we need, which supports residents, and provides genuine alternatives to car use.”
David Llewellyn, head of construction and infrastructure at Pagabo, said: “Infrastructure improvement projects like this are so key for keeping our county connected. Beyond simply providing an effective transport route, this project has been designed with the future needs of the community in mind, with its focus on facilitating active travel and better public transport.
“With its unique environmental considerations due to its location, it was even more important to find the right contractor with the required specialist experience to complete the full scope of the work. Our procurement process has been developed to facilitate this, leading to the successful appointment of Milestone Infrastructure.”
Watch the video HERE
Back to all
