A ROAD in Winchester that’s been closed for nearly a year is on track to re-open this month following the replacement of a 100-year-old bridge.

Hampshire County Council has confirmed that Garnier Road, by St Cross, should be re-opening this month.

The £1.4m scheme to replace 100-year-old Tunbridge was due to be finished in November but was delayed due to “unexpected issues” including the discovery of further deterioration, utility works and vandalism.

The county council is yet to confirm a precise date for the completion but says the works remain on track for the revised date of February.

READ MORE: Garnier Road: County council announce new completion date for works

Hampshire Chronicle: Tunbridge is nearly finishedTunbridge is nearly finished (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Garnier Road was first closed in March last year, reducing business for The Handlebar Café. Company director Heather Evans previously said that the café was struggling to survive through the closure.

Ms Evans is concerned the café will continue to be hit by the closure of the cycle path from Garnier Road car park to the M3 link road. Winchester City Council told the business that the path would be closed for five weeks from Tuesday, February 20 for tree felling.

Ms Evans said: “So just as we are seeing the bridge near completion, and finishing touches being completed, just as we begin to think we can hope for better passing trade and better trading figures for in the working week, we find out from the city council that the cycle path will be closed for tree felling.

“We are shocked and stunned that another factor beyond our control will affect our trade.  Whilst we are glad the trees are being dealt with and we are glad it is at this time of year, rather than the Summer, we just hope people will keep coming to visit the area. We are also sad for all the cyclists, wheelchair users and those with buggies who will not be able to use the route. Such a shame.

“We understand the path will be open at weekends which does lessen the blow.”

SEE ALSO: Winchester cafe struggling to survive through Garnier Road closure

Access for pedestrians has remained open for most of the bridge works, through the use of a temporary footbridge.

The county council believes the current essential works will ensure the bridge remains safe and in a serviceable condition for the next 100 years.

Garnier Road car park, St Catherine’s Park and Ride and pedestrian access are open for the remainder of the closure.