Change of plan: Road under Devonshire Road Bridge WON'T close

The council had revealed plans to shut the road to southbound traffic for around 15 weeks, which were criticised by traders in the street who said the measure would impact on business.

After listening to those concerns, the authority announced it will instead keep traffic flowing in both directions, and instead use temporary traffic lights and a contraflow restriction.

Roads boss Coun Fred Jackson said: "When we announced our plans for the repairs to Devonshire Road Bridge we received a lot of comments from ward councillors, residents and businesses, expressing concern about the diversion route.

“While we think this is the best option to help traffic flow as freely as possible, we are happy to take everyone’s comments on board and trial temporary lights as an alternative.

“This means, when the work starts on Monday, the road will remain open both ways and the traffic will be managed by temporary lights.

"After the first two weeks we will review this arrangement.”

Last month, temporary traffic lights were put up at the bridge to allow rail contractors to complete work linked to electrification efforts, leading to severe delays.They were removed on the orders of the council, which claimed the lights were put up without permission.