DRIVERS should prepare for a town road to reopen after being closed for months.

Notley Road in Braintree is scheduled to reopen three weeks ahead of schedule.

It has been closed since October 4, originally due to reopen on February 25.

However, Essex Highways have said they are aiming to open the road ahead of schedule.

It is now being planned for reopen by the end of the day on February 4.

The road was closed by Essex County Council while they conducted works on the Hoppit Bridge which spans the River Brain.

The road has been closed from its junction with Goldings Way and its junction with St Johns Avenue.

A signed diversion route has been in place during the road closure as no vehicles have been permitted to pass over the closed structure during works.

A temporary footbridge was installed to ensure access has been maintained for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.

READ MORE >> 'Enough is enough' - Teenager fighting to make public sexual harassment a crime

Essex Highways said: “Waterproofing activities took place on the structure at the beginning of January as planned and we are now approaching the final stages of works.

“Carriageway surfacing works are due to be being carried out this week (beginning January 25) weather permitting, followed by white lining.

“Arrangements have been made to start to dismantle the temporary footbridge from Thursday 27 January 2022.

“Pedestrian access will be maintained via a designated walkway over Hoppit Bridge.”