TUCKTON Bridge has unexpectedly reopened this afternoon.

Bournemouth council said the work on the bridge had been completed "ahead of schedule", meaning it was able to open earlier than expected.

The bridge was originally due to reopen on Sunday following two weeks of safety improvement works which started on March 30.

Larry Austin, service director for environment, said; “Work to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians at Tuckton Roundabout and improve traffic flow on Tuckton Road is on schedule.

"The main work on Tuckton Bridge has been completed ahead of schedule and the bridge is now open to motorists and buses.  We’d like to thank everyone for their patience during the disruption.”

Last weekend the bridge mysteriously reopened unannounced in the middle of the works. 

Bournemouth motorists and residents said the bridge was open to traffic from around 4pm on Saturday, and this remained the case through Sunday morning and afternoon.

It then closed again on Monday. 

The closure of the bridge is part of a project to revamp Tuckton roundabout and introduce new crossings at each junction, cycle lanes and a loading bay outside Tesco in Tuckton Road.

Work is scheduled to be completed in October 2018.

The council also said today that Wick Lane is due to reopen on Monday.

The road was initially due to re-open at Easter, however this was pushed back due to unspecified delays.

Temporary traffic signals will continue to be used at times during construction with the following planned road closures taking place:

Belle Vue Road (South) for six weeks from 14 May 2018

Tuckton Road for four weeks from 18 June 2018

A night time closure of each approach in July. The dates are yet to be confirmed but this will only be for approximately two nights.

More follows.