A KEY Basingstoke town centre road, which has been the focus of traffic misery for months, will finally reopen today – nearly a week later than planned.

Hampshire County Council revealed that “problems with private utilities” resulted in the general construction work to Alencon Link taking a few days longer than anticipated.

The road, which opened to two-way traffic at weekends in October, closed overnight on Monday and Tuesday this week, from 8pm until 5.30am, while further work was carried out.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hamp-shire County Council, said the road will permanently re-open to two-way traffic tomorrow. Work will continue off the road to complete the footway, which is due to open on December 13.

Cllr Woodward said: “The works have been delayed because cables needed to be moved by the utility companies.

“This was not factored into the original work schedule as it only became clear that the utility cables were in the wrong place once they were uncovered.”

The final touches to the road, which closed to eastbound traffic in April, have now been agreed.

More trees and planting will be included to help complete the transformation.

The planting will begin in mid-January and continue until March, and although it will have no effect on vehicle traffic, it may disrupt pedestrians for a short period of time.

Julie Sloan, communications officer at Hampshire County Council, said: “The Alencon Link improvements have been a very successful example of Hampshire County Council investing to improve the public realm and supporting the local economy through the use of local firms and suppliers.

“We hope that people will bear with us through the final few days of the works and while we complete the finishing touches in the New Year.”

The £1.5million Hampshire County Council project includes the construction of a shared-use pedestrian and cycle link from Victory Roundabout to Chapel Hill Roundabout.

The subway connecting Winter-thur Way to The Anvil entrance has been removed, and a signal- controlled pedestrian crossing installed to improve pedestrian access to The Malls, the railway station, and The Anvil.