Work on a stretch of Middle Road in Southampton has been completed, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment has announced.

A government spokesman said both lanes of the road near Five Star Island are now open to traffic after months of repairs.

The spokesman said: “An emergency single lane closure was implemented in July after routine monitoring identified cracking in the road surface and movement of a roadside fence.

“Further inspection revealed that the footing of the wall had washed out, and the road was undermined. This prompted the immediate closure in the interest of public safety.

“Due to the steep sandy hillside and unstable ground conditions, engineers designed and constructed a new cantilever retaining wall supported by in situ concrete pile foundations to secure the area and ensure long-term stability.”

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works, thanked residents for their patience as the work was carried out.

He said: “Public safety is always the top priority. These works were delayed for a period by the storms in October. However, the contractor and the subcontractors completed the project with diligence and to a very high standard.

“This work will reinforce and secure this section of Middle Road for many years.”