POWICK bridge has now reopened after partial refurbishment work lasting just over six weeks.

But motorists can expect a few more delays on Monday when temporary traffic lights will be reinstalled reducing the carriageway so that workers can dismantle and remove the scaffolding over the River Teme.

The refurbishment work was due to involve a total closure of the bridge, which takes 20,000 vehicles a day, starting on Saturday July 21. But due to the extreme west weather this summer and subsequent flooding it was delayed and eventually rescheduled - allowing work to be completed on the east side of the bridge.

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for the environment, said this year's project had been completed on schedule and on budget and he wanted to thank everyone involved, including the road users who had been very patient and understanding.

"There is a little hiccup as the contractor is coming on Monday to take down the scaffolding. I would just ask the motorists to be patient. It is a precarious job which has to be done by specialists," he said.

Temporary traffic lights will operate on the bridge from 9.30am until 3.30pm on Monday.

Senior highways engineer for the county council Richard Attwood said the work had gone very well and they discovered the bridge was generally in a very good condition. "We are confident about what needs to be done next year."

The rest of the work has been scheduled for the school summer holidays in 2008 and is expected to last for up to six weeks. The bridge will be completely closed.