Since work started at the end of June Fermanagh Herald readers have innundated the paper with complaints about traffic delays caused by the partial road closure – and there was consternation last week when it emerged that contractors were taking a ten-day holiday which would drag out the length of time that  the scheme  would take to comlete.

Now, in an apparent U-turn, Transport NI have said that they have reviewed the  entire project and that the roadworks which had orginally been scheduled to last until October will be wound up in August.

In a statement issued to this paper, Transport NI said: “The work at Johnston Bridge South which had been planned to follow on from the work at the north bridge has now been deferred to allow a further review of the timing and management of the work.

“The effect of these changes will mean that the Cornagrade Road at Johnston Bridges will reopen to two way traffic by the 27 August or earlier if possible.”

Transport NI did say that essential work would eventually have to be carried out on Johnston Bridge South, but it is thought that the traffic chaos caused by the roadworks will force a rethink when the second phase of the work is carried out.

Transport NI came in for criticism for not consulting the business community and other interested parties that have paid a heavy price due to the disruption.