LONGSTANDING roadworks have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Essex Highways have been forced to put a temporary halt on the £6.5million project to revamp the roundabouts at Ipswich Road and Harwich Road in Colchester.

The decision has been made in order to protect staff and the public as well as to help restrict the spread of the virus.

Engineers will attempt to continue to work on roads to be used by emergency services and other key workers, including delivery drivers.

Bosses said workers have found it difficult to continue operating on the Ipswich Road site while taking heed of the social distancing requirements.

Some specialist contractors and suppliers invovled in the revamp are also stopping their employees from working as normal as they continue to follow Government advice.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council and cabinet member for infrastructure, said stopping the spread of the virus had to be the main priority.

He said : “We support the contractor’s decision to keep their workers at home and help reduce this virus being spread.

"We will keep all residents and partners updated as and when we have any news and can re-start the works.”

Work on the controversial project began in September 2018 and was due to finish this summer.

Partial and temporary closures have caused severe delays for drivers and concern for businesses who blamed the roadworks for a slowdown in trade.