SGN SAYS its work on the gas main in Christchurch's Barrack Road is continuing but the closed-off lane will be re-opened for Thursday morning.

Spokesman Dan Brown said: "We’ve completed several repairs to our gas main and we’re currently working to restore the road surface to its original condition.

"To ensure everyone’s safety, Barrack Road remains reduced to one lane around our site while we carry out the remainder of our work so motorists travelling from Iford are unable to turn right into Stour Road."

He said the emergency repairs would continue but: "All being well, we’ll be able to reopen the lane on Barrack Road by Thursday morning (6 December)."

News will come as a relief to motorists and bus passengers who have been caught up in jams for weeks on the busy thoroughfare.

Many drivers have complained that they have had to add around 45 minutes to any rush hour journey they plan to take in the area.