The County of Essex and the Town of Essex are working together to improve traffic flow to businesses affected by the construction-related closure of County Road 50 in Colchester.

Beginning Friday, additional wayfinding signage will indicate that local roads remain open for customers to access area wineries, markets and other businesses. Truck traffic should still use the posted detour along County roads more suitable for truck traffic.

“We have heard from the businesses in the area, and from their customers, and we worked with our partners at the Town of Essex to develop a creative solution that considers the unique circumstances of this project and the surrounding road network,” said Allan Botham, Director of Infrastructure and Planning for the County of Essex. “I would like to thank the businesses and public for their patience as we complete this vital infrastructure project.”

All the businesses on County Road 50 remain open and accessible. The full road closure is limited to the intersection of County Road 50 and County Road 13/Erie Road.

The County of Essex started the Tom Wright Drain Culvert reconstruction project early in the construction season with the goal of having the road open for the peak of the tourist and business season. The project has been delayed while the County addresses unforeseen issues with soil conditions discovered after excavation began.

The posted detour makes use of County Road 13, 20 and 23.