ONE of the busiest roads into Southampton reopened today - after “vital” repair work was completed ahead of schedule.

City transport bosses say drainage repairs on the Bassett Avenue have been completed three days earlier than planned.

The road has been closed to all inbound traffic from Chilworth Roundabout to Winchester Road since February.

Southampton City Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, councillor Jacqui Rayment, said: “I would like to thank road users for their patience and understanding while we carry out what is essential improvement work to a key route into the city.

“That we are ahead of schedule despite the recent snow and ice is testament to the hard work the teams have been putting in over the last few weeks.

“We are committed to listening to what residents want and delivering our promises by investing in and improving our roads network.”

The three week project, which started on February 12, was initially scheduled to continue across this weekend.

It will be followed by a second phase of work, to resurface the road for the first time in 16 years.

Despite finishing phase one earlier than expected, phase two will go-ahead as planned, on Monday.

The work will involve night closures in both directions.

The closures will be in place from 8pm to 6am Monday to Friday for up to three weeks.

Once completed, engineers will lay an anti-skid surface during the following three weeks.

That work is not expected to lead to further closures.