THE Ashley Road bridge in Boscombe was set to reopen to motorists and pedestrians from midnight.

Network Rail said everything was on course to reopen the bridge which has been closed for several weeks to allow the 140-year-old railway bridge to be replaced.

It thanked the people of Boscombe and Springbourne for their “patience” while the vital work was carried out.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Our engineers have faced very challenging weather conditions over the last two months including high winds, torrential rain and freezing temperatures, so it’s a testament to them that we have been able to complete this important work on time.

“The 140 year old bridge was fast approaching the end of its life and needed replacing to allow vehicles to continue to cross and trains to pass beneath it safely.”