Emergency bridge repairs which left shopkeepers fearing for their future will come to an end next Monday.

The closure of Station Road led to increased traffic in Rickmansworth and was keeping people away from the town, according to traders.

But the road is set to re-open on Monday morning.

TFL admit they need to do more work on the bridge before it can be replaced in April, but the transport provider has postponed the work until mid-January.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Our engineers have uncovered the need for further essential work on the railway bridge in Rickmansworth, but in order to avoid further disruption to local people in the run up to the festive period, the remaining work will be undertaken during a three-week road closure in early 2016.

“Following discussions with Hertfordshire County Council, the current road closure along Station Road will now end at 5am on the 23rd November. We once again thank local people for their ongoing patience while we carry out this essential work.”

The road is expected to be closed from 8pm on Saturday, January 16 to 5am, Monday February 8.