A MAIN route into Christchurch will open again in just over a week after being closed for extensive maintenance work for two months.

Engineers from Dorset County Council have been working to repair Waterloo Bridge in Bridge Street since the beginning of September.

The work has included constructing a concrete slab and waterproofing layer over the bridge to halt damage to the structure’s stonework.

Due to the nature of the work, the road has been closed to all vehicles but pedestrian and cycle access has been maintained.

A Dorset County Council spokesman said: “The work on Waterloo Bridge is on schedule to meet its eight-week construction target and for Bridge Street to be open by Monday, November 7.

“However, this is very much dependent on the weather during the final week of work, which involves pouring a new concrete layer.”

Closures to the bridge in January 2010 caused problems for traders in the town centre who complained of a drop in footfall and impact on their trade.

There were fears the same situation could repeat itself, but at a meeting held for traders before the works started, only a handful turned out.

Terry Atkinson, general secretary at Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “There haven’t been any complaints about the work – it’s nothing like before in the impact it has had.

“It is difficult to tell at this time year whether there has been a drop in trade – due to weather and other issues.

“But certainly things have not been anywhere as bad, which is a relief.

“Some people have said it hasn’t really made much of a difference to their business actually.