The Army and Navy flyover in Chelmsford will reopen in time for Monday morning’s rush hour following the completion of repair work.

Final preparations are now being made to reopen the flyover to cars at 6am on Monday.

Temporary supports used to prop the structure during repairs are being removed and remaining remedial works will finish this week.

A full Principal Inspection has also been completed on the structure, three years ahead of national guidelines.

Early findings from the inspection engineers have confirmed the structure is safe for use. Beyond the column movement, which has been addressed, no other urgent safety issues were identified by the independent inspectors.

In September Essex Highways closed the flyover following identification and confirmation of minor movement of two columns. Investigations have concluded the likely cause to be the high temperatures experienced during July and August, causing expansion in the structure as a whole. No evidence was found of a vehicle strike damaging the columns.

The flyover is an ageing structure and has exhibited age-related deterioration which means the structure will be subject to an enhanced monitoring regime. Periods of planned maintenance will continue and the flyover would need to shut again during any remedial work to ensure public safety.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents for their patience whilst the flyover has been closed.

“We know the closure has caused some congestion in recent weeks. But with repair work complete and an independent inspection complete, we can reopen.

“Work will now move forward on the future options for the whole junction, through the task force which was announced last month. This will consider all the options available for a long-term solution to the Army and Navy.”