Work to replace the road joints on the viaduct which carries St Martin’s Way in Chester has been completed.

Originally it was anticipated that the council- funded scheme would take highways maintenance contractor Ringway and its subcontractor USL Bridgecare six weeks to complete, but it has been completed in two weeks.

Work was undertaken seven days a week to reduce the disruption for drivers, and the weather remained generally good which helped the rapid progress.

The old steel plated road joints had not been removed for more than 30 years and there were some concerns regarding the likely condition of the concrete below. However, the concrete was found to be in very good condition allowing a relatively straight forward installation of the new road joints.

Some lane closures will be required for two evenings, after rush hour, during the week commencing Monday, March 3 to install new steel plates in the footways and central reservation.

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for localities said: “We are extremely pleased that these important and essential works have been completed well ahead of schedule.

“I would also like to thank drivers for their patience over the past two weeks when the contra flow was in operation.”