London 2012 is less than a month away, and the Olympic Torch will be welcomed into Colchester on Friday 6th July.
Colchester Borough Council is urging local residents to line the streets, support the torchbearers and celebrate this iconic, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle and has some advice for those planning on coming out to watch the Olympic Torch Relay.
Ipswich Road will provide the longest, widest stretch of the route the torch will take, whereas the town centre roads are not only narrower, but are sure to be busy.
The convoys will be travelling along the left side of the road, so although the convoys can be seen from either side of the route, the left will certainly provide a clearer, less obstructed view.
The Council is encouraging people to leave their cars at home to limit overcrowding and congestion; if possible, please walk or cycle, or if you do have to drive, why not car share?
And of course, it is vital that if you want to enjoy a good view of the Olympic Flame, you should get into place early.
Can’t make the Torch Relay?
If you’re working, have other plans, or simply aren’t overly interested in seeing the Olympic Torch Relay, it is important that you consider travel arrangements for the day, as there is likely to be increased crowds and various road closures.
After a consultation with Essex County Council and the local bus companies that will be affected by the Relay, it was agreed that because road closure times are to be short, buses will not be diverted. Instead, they will wait with any other traffic until the road reopens, and will then recommence the planned route. This means that if you are a regular bus user, you are likely to experience a delay in your journey.
To limit disruption, road closures have been kept to a minimum. Colchester High Street will be closed from 7.50am to approximately 8.20am and rolling road closures will be in place as follows:
Once the Flame has passed through, all roads will then reopen.
