TRADERS are heaving a sigh of relief on the eve of the reopening of a vital main road.

The main road at the White Shops junction, Catterick Garrison, will reopen on Friday after a week of surfacing work on the footways and carriageway.

It will serve two-way traffic, including the bus stop and parking bays, as well as a temporary pedestrian crossing.

This follows the reopening of Fort Bridge on Tuesday, which was demolished as part of the major road improvement works on the A1.

Traders at the White Shops complained about a decline in business whilst the improvement work was taking place.

The roadworks outside the row of shops meant short stay parking spaces were lost.

Following the surfacing of the main road, the side roads will be completed under the current closure.

Road markings and cable laying for the traffic signals will then be finished, resulting in temporary traffic management on the main road for short periods.

The road from Colburn Back Lane to the point where the road has been widened is due to be resurfaced overnight on Friday, while a convoy system will be in operation.

All work is due to be completed by November 30.

Councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways, said: “We have been well aware of the disruptive impact of these works and the good news is that the main road will be reopened by the weekend.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation during these lengthy works.’’