Traders are hoping to “get back on track” with bridge repair works set to come to an end.

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

But the road is set to reopen on Monday morning after first closing on Monday, October 19.

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.

Owner of Love To Boutique Abbey Booth in Station Road, Rickmansworth, said: “Relief is the over-riding emotion because we can now get back on track and hopefully have a really good Christmas.

“It is very good news that the road is reopening, and one of the good things that has come out of this is that it has made businesses talk to each other and we have made contacts with TFL, so next time we have someone we can talk to and plan better, by for example getting more or better signs.”

Traders had been fearing for their futures when the closure was expected to remain until the end of November.

TFL has suspended the work due concerns over the effect the road closure was having on businesses.

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

Cllr Terry Douris, cabinet member for highways at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We are aware that the necessary road closure has caused disruption to traffic over the last few weeks and are concerned that a continued running up Christmas is likely to have further significant impact on shoppers and businesses."