HIGHWAYS workers are having to be particularly cautious during roadworks as slight damage to underground cables could be catastrophic for the town.

The Gazette was invited to get an exclusive look at the intricate job Eurovia and Essex Highways are carrying out.

The reason why workers are not being seen above ground is because for the first few months they will be underground, replacing important power cables which control electricity for the whole of Colchester, Chelmsford, Clacton and Harwich.

Halstead Gazette:

Kevin Bentley, county councillor responsible for Infrastructure, said: “This was the old original main road through Colchester and all the telecoms come through here.

“It’s not just a few wires, it’s chunky cables and only a small section can be done at one time.

“The vast majority of roadworks haven’t started yet, so when people say they can’t see people working, it’s because they are underground.”

There is also a high pressure 18ins diameter water main running down the middle of the roadworks.

If the pipe is hit, not only will Colchester lose all its water, part of the town will be flooded and any water which gets on the railway line will shut down transport into London.

Workers will continue work in all weathers and measures have been put in place for extreme weather.

Mr Bentley hopes this knowledge of the complexity of the works will help drivers understand the timescale. He said: “I know it doesn’t seem like it now but we are thinking about the future, and it would be an absolute crime if we didn’t do this now.”