COMMUTERS were given a small reprieve yesterday morning after St Alkmund's Way was reopened.
Work began on the dual carriageway in January to undertake £1.2 million of repairs to the bridges, as well as fit new lighting.
When work began, drivers were stuck in five-mile tailbacks leading from the site to Duffield and Burnaston.
There was also queuing traffic on the A61 Alfreton Road and the southbound side of Sir Frank Whittle Road – as well as stop-start traffic on the A52 Ashbourne Road.
But it finally reopened yesterday for the first time to traffic.
The reprieve, however, will be short-lived – with work starting on the London Road bridge. The £6.9 million project will close the road for one year from August 19.
Councillor Ranjit Banwait, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and the Streetpride campaign, said: "I would like to thank commuters for their patience and understanding during these essential road works.
"This part of our inner ring road was more than 40 years old and was in dire need of work to ensure Derby remained connected."
