THE junction at Hare Green on the A120 has become notorious to drivers.

Serious accidents and multiple deaths as well as years of campaigning has led to a multi-million pound project to build a roundabout.

I was invited to see what work has been done so far to transform the dangerous junction into a two-lane roundabout.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

As I drove via the junction with Harwich Road to get to the construction site, it was apparent why so many accidents have happened there.

A report released by Highways England revealed there have been 23 recorded collisions causing 52 casualties - three of which being fatal - in the past five years alone.

The report also stated the majority of collisions have involved right turn manoeuvres to or from side roads.

So it was understandable why residents have welcomed the work.

On my arrival to the site, it was outstanding to see how much work had been carried out since October last year.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Dozens of trees have been cleared from where the roundabout will go and there were several diggers levelling the ground.

There were also giant concrete and plastic pipes piled high, ready to be installed at a later date.

After meeting with some of the key players behind the work, it was time to put on a high-visibility jacket and take a tour of the site.

Standing at a viewing point overlooking where the roundabout will be, I was told how the project is being carried out.

The first phase, which is expected to last until the end of May, involves building drainage runs and work to join the minor roads.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

The second phase is expected to start at the end of May when a lane will be closed in each direction during works.

It will involve closing the right turn from Harwich Road onto the A120.

Between May and September there will be a lane closed in each direction while the new roundabout is built.

Geoff Chatfield, Highways England project manager, said a lot of the work takes place overnight, so there will be as little disruption for road users as possible.

He said: “It’s all about making it safer for drivers because there have been a lot of accidents and fatalities here.

“All the drainage will go into a big pipe and will come out in a ditch behind the site.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

“We need to finish levelling the ground first and in the design we need big pipes which can store a lot of water because the system works by filling the pipes up with water and releasing the water slowly.

“Safety is our key concern and it is all about working safely for everyone.

“We have got to do the work with the minimum impact on road users as possible.”

The roundabout is due to be finished by the end of the year.