ROADWORKS near Taunton which have caused weeks of misery for commuters have been finished ahead of schedule.

Somerset County Council's highways teams have been reconstructing the outbound carriageway of the A358 between Henlade and Thornfalcon since October 13.

The work was due to take seven weeks, but finished on Tuesday night and both lanes are now open.

Temporary lane closures will be reintroduced next Monday for a single evening to finish work on the traffic lights.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, Somerset County Council's cabinet member for highways, said: “I'm pleased to hear we have finished these essential repairs ahead of schedule. 

“I know the teams were working hard and making really good progress until they were hit by bad weather in the last week or so.

“My most grateful thanks to them and also to all road users for their patience while repairs took place. 

“I sincerely apologise to anyone inconvenienced; the A358 is a very busy road so we try to avoid any work which isn't absolutely essential. 

“The good news is the road has been overlaid with an innovative new surface which should hopefully extend its life and help reduce the need for future maintenance.”