MONTHS of motoring misery are almost at an end as repairs to one of Darlington's busiest roads nears completion.

The temporary traffic lights which allowed single file traffic to cross Haughton bridge, at the Haughton Road/McMullen Road junction, have been removed and traffic has reverted to using the permanent lights traffic lights.

This has eased the congestion on the road, which is one of the main routes into Darlington.

Darlington Borough Council say it is still necessary to maintain some form of traffic management, in the form of coning, to allow the outstanding work to be carried out in safety. On completion, a new pedestrian controlled crossing will be in operation on the road.

Work on the bridge was originally due for completion this month, but the council was forced to adjust its timetable because of the number of service pipes and cables found under the road.

At a recent council meeting, Jim Gordon,head of design, project and consultancy management, said contractors had to take extra care to ensure which pipes were active.