MAJOR resurfacing and maintenance work on the A303 near Mere in Wiltshire has been completed nine days ahead of schedule and around £1 million under budget.

All traffic management and diversion routes will be lifted by this evening (Friday).

The Highways Agency said that a combination of careful planning and good weather had helped the team complete the work early. The completion has also enabled a substantial saving off the total budget of £8 million.

Malcolm Wilkinson, Highways Agency south west regional performance manager said: "This early completion is good news for all our customers who use this stretch of the A303 and I would like to thank all those affected by the closure for their patience whilst we carried out these vital works.

"Before the works we consulted with local communities and the programme was designed to address public concerns and cause as little disruption as possible.

"All work will be finished by Friday evening at the latest."

During the four-week closure, the resurfacing and reconstruction required more than 20,000 tonnes of new material to be laid on the road.