A ROAD is back open to motorists after Yorkshire Water completed works in the street two weeks ahead of schedule.

Wakefield Road in Bailiff Bridge had been shut for seven weeks so Yorkshire Water could carry out work to prevent sewer flooding to homes in West Street.

Workers have finished the operation early by using a technique to install the new sewer called auger boring, where two holes are dug and the new pipe is tunnelled under the ground from one hole to the other. It is not always possible to use this technique due to ground conditions.

The works were necessary after sewers previously backed up into people's homes after heavy rainfall causing flooding.

Jonathan LeMoine, project manager for Yorkshire Water, said: “We appreciate that this scheme was disruptive to residents and road-users but we had no other option if our contractors were to work quickly and safely.

“We’d like to thank anyone affected by the roadworks for their patience throughout this essential project.”

The project, which cost £150,000, was part of a £3.8 billion investment programme by Yorkshire Water between 2015 and 2020.