Traffic will be able to use Ranelagh Road in Ipswich again from the beginning of next week – but the last work will not be completed until early September.

Anglian Water has nearly completed eight weeks of road works while they laid a new main that connects into the new pipes that are being installed in the Chantry and Stoke Park areas of the town.

The work was originally due to be completed within six weeks, but in the event it took eight weeks to finish it.

Now Anglian Water is carrying out final tests on the new water main that has been installed – and providing they pass off without any problems they will hand the road back to Suffolk County Council at the beginning of next week.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “I know it looks as if there is a lot to do – but all the difficult part like connecting in the main has been completed, we’re now just doing the testing.”

Traffic will be able to use it, but the final resurfacing of the road is expected to start on Tuesday night and will continue until September 8.

The work will take place between 9pm and 5am on four nights next week and then every night from August 29 to September 8 – affecting different sections of Burrell Road, Ranelagh Road and Princes Street.

Through traffic will be affected and there will be some limited road closures and overnight temporary traffic lights while the work takes place.

Local residents have been sent leaflets explaining what work is taking place and how it will affect their access – and when to expect overnight disruption as the work takes place.

Once completed that will be the last phase of the work which started with the redevelopment of the station forecourt at the end of last year.

James Finch, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “These resurfacing works are the last part of a scheme all those on site have worked on to get completed as soon as possible.

“While at times it has not been easy for everyone, I would like to thank all road and rail users for their patience while this work has been carried out and I hope you agree with me that the finished forecourt and crossings are a vast improvement for commuters and visitors arriving at Ipswich rail station.”