TAUNTON'S Station Road has re-opened to traffic following work to install a road bridge.

Contractors delivered the structure last week and workers have been putting the final touches to the project this week.

They had hoped to complete the work by last Friday, but it overran and they needed an extra two days to complete it.

The bridge replaces the former disused rail bridge near the entrance to Station Approach.

It forms part of the Northern Inner Distributor Road being built between Staplegrove Road and its junction with Chip Lane and Priory Avenue.

The NIDR has been dogged with delays, but Somerset County Council says it should be completed by the end of the year.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: "Station Road has been closed while our contractor Carillion works on the new Kingston Loop Bridge as part of the NIDR project.

"Carillion has informed the council that it is now safe to reopen Station Road while the remainder of the bridge is completed."

He added: "Many thanks to everyone affected by this road closure for remaining so patient.

"We know it has been inconvenient at times, but the construction of this bridge is a key phase and we’re pleased that work is nearly complete.”

The new bridge has been designed to preserve the look of the Station Road area as much as possible, with the historic steel edge beams refurbished and reinstalled as part of the new bridge.

The Kingston Loop Bridge is the last major structural component of the NIDR to complete, although other work remains.

That includes surfacing near the new bridge; surfacing, lining and lighting between the new bridge and Staplegrove roundabout; signing and lining to prevent parking on the new route; completion of the Firepool Bridge, and general landscaping.