Oxford's St Aldate's is finally free of roadworks after Oxfordshire County Council completed its repairs three weeks ahead of schedule.

The council had expected the road to remain reduced to one lane of traffic until November 21, but temporary traffic lights were finally removed from the street on Monday morning. Traffic can now flow freely down the street for the first time since the second, £1.1m, phase of work started in early August.

The council's highways team resurfaced the road to improve drainage and also made alterations to drains, kerbs and pavements.

However, a further phase of work is due to start in mid January, which will see disruption in the city centre for seven weeks as work is carried out repairing gas mains and the road surface at the Speedwell Street and St Aldate's junction.

Council spokesman Paul Smith said: "We're delighted that work around St Aldate's is largely complete. There is still a couple of days' worth of work to do on paving; however, all of the bus stops are now back in their original positions and the major disruption is over with.

"The job has largely been done to a high standard with slightly more than three weeks to spare."