NIGHT work on a bridge on the Weymouth relief road has finished ahead of schedule.

The 22 beams needed for the Manor Road railway bridge were put in place over four nights near Two Mile Coppice – a week before they were due to be completed.

There is now a working surface over the railway line for work on the deck of the bridge to start.

Work on the new Manor Roundabout is still underway but is due to finish on target early next year. Motorists will have to use a temporary mini roundabout until the new roundabout is built.

Willie McCormick, the Weymouth Relief Road project manager for Skanska, said: “We’ve had a great start to the project this year with the major earthworks being completed and every bridge under construction.

“We’ve also had some amazing archaeological and geological finds which have been fascinating for everyone working on the project.

“We’ve got a lot more work to do next year.”

Over the next few months the three ‘green bridges’ of the road at Ridgeway, Southdown Ridge and Lorton Lane will take shape.

‘Green bridges’ are landscaped with shrub and other greenery to minimise their visual impact and provide a wildlife corridor.

The £87.4million relief road is being developed by Skanska. The road will be a five-mile single carriageway from Manor Roundabout to the Ridgeway.

A Dorset County Council spokeswoman said the entire project was on target and it is still due to be completed by Spring 2011.

Dorset County Council project manager Matthew Piles said: “So far residents have been very understanding and I’d like to thank them for their patience.

“If anyone has a question or concern about the works they should contact Dorset County Council.”

The council is keeping residents informed of developments including through an internet blog.

Visit the blog at www.weymouthreliefroad.wordpress.com, or call the council on 01305 21000 with any concerns.