A NUMBER of roads in Colchester town centre are set to close to allow workmen to fix traffic lights.

Essex Highways engineers will be fixing traffic lights at Head Street, Headgate, Crouch Street and St John’s Street.

Work is due to start on Monday, January 13 and will take place over five weeks and drivers are being advised to leave extra time for their journeys where necessary.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “The purpose of the work is to renew the traffic signals which are nearing the end of their life expectancy, including installing underground cable ducts where required and new extra low voltage equipment which helps reduce the carbon footprint produced by the traffic signals.

“For the duration of the works, temporary traffic signals will be in place and will be set up to mimic the existing signals as closely as possible.

“The majority of the works will be carried out overnight between 7pm and 5am from Monday to Friday.

“During the daytime traffic management restrictions will be lifted where possible to allow the temporary traffic lights to work in a similar way to the existing signals to control traffic at the junction.”

Head Street will be fully closed between 7pm and 5am on January 16 and 17.

St John’s Street will be closed between 7pm and 5am on February 12 and February 13.

The Essex Highways spokesman added: “A local diversion route will be in place during road closures.

“We would urge drivers to allow additional travelling time and take care to observe traffic management and signage in place, which is necessary to protect the public and the workforce.

“Some temporary footway restrictions or footway closures may be needed provide a safe working area while operatives are on site.

“Temporary crossing arrangements will be made available as necessary.”

During overnight road closures in Head Street, the bus stops within the area affected will not be operational.

The Head Street diversion will be via the Maldon Road roundabout, St Botolph’s roundabout to the Middlebrough roundabout.

The diversion for St John’s Street will be via Southway.