A £7 MILLION road linking Stanway to the A12 could be finished ahead of schedule.

On Wednesday an important part of the Western Bypass was put into place when a bridge over the bypass was created.

Steel girders weighing ten tonnes each were lowered into place.

The bridge is part of the realignment of Church Lane, which will go over the Western Bypass.

The lane is currently closed while work takes place.

The much-needed bypass was due to be opened by Easter next year.

Construction staff said they are working well after delays earlier in the year.

James Brackenbury, director at GKL Group, which is overseeing the construction for developer O&H Properties, said: “The end of this year was always our target date for getting the road finished.

“We are on target which we are pleased with.

“It means the bypass could be opened early in the new year.”

Construction of the Western Bypass started last year.

A wet winter meant GKL Group faced delays to the project as they waited for the land to drain properly.

Mr Brackenbury said the dry summer had helped get the road back on track.

The Western Bypass was granted planning permission seven years ago.

The economic downturn saw it delayed until last year.

The road aims to reduce congestion by linking the A12 with Warren Lane, via the Tollgate retail centre.