St Botolph’s Circus update
Work continues at pace on the St Botolph's Regeneration Scheme, with the team working in several areas across the site. In addition to continuing works to identify and survey services on the Magdalen Street Island, the team has been adapting the island to create additional space on the highway.
Excavation works are well underway, and the team has been working within the subway areas, removing lighting and tiles to enable the safe removal of the artwork. As set out in our previous update, once removed, the artwork will be safely stored.
Next week, as well as continuing works on the islands and dismantling the subway structures, the team will be removing power and lighting infrastructure within the main roundabout ahead of major demolition works.
Preparations will also begin to adjust the shape of the roundabout. This is needed to provide additional road space to commence on the construction of a retaining wall next to the pavement on Southway, at the bottom of the grassy embankment near Mersea Road.
Traffic We are aware of the increase in traffic delays experienced last week and over the weekend. While incidents elsewhere in the city contributed to these delays, we are working hard to adapt the traffic management arrangements as the works progress to keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible.
The safety of road users and pedestrians remains our highest priority. As set out in our previous update, due to several drivers choosing to ignore the temporary crossing, we had to temporarily reduce the roundabout to a single lane. However, changes to the islands have now enabled us the space to reinstate two lanes on Southway, Stanwell Street and through the roundabout itself.
A single-lane approach through the temporary crossing at Magdalen Street remains in operation to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The team will continue to monitor traffic flow closely over the coming days and make adjustments where possible.
