Major A-road to partially reopen ahead of schedule

Work to stabilise the southbound embankment on the A36 has been completed

An A-road will partially reopen a month ahead of schedule - but roadworks will be in place for another three months.

Motorists will be able to use the A36 between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe, on the Wiltshire/Somerset border from 1 March. However, a two-way traffic light system will be in place until May.

National Highways has been working to stabilise the southbound embankment since August, following cracking in the footpath alongside the road.

The authority's spokesperson said the "pace of work is a testament to the hard work of the team".

'Huge success'

More than 200 concrete piles and new drainage have been installed along the route.

Workers will now build new a vehicle barrier and reinstate the pavement.

Hugh Campbell, senior project manager for National Highways, said the stabilisation of the A36, which was originally scheduled to last until April, has been "a huge success".

"The pace of work is a testament to the hard work of the team and all the contractors working on the stabilisation.

"I would like to thank everyone involved, including road users, residents and businesses for their patience whilst we carried out this safety critical work to ensure the long-term viability of the road," he added.