The reopening date of a Suffolk road where a bridge is being replaced has been pushed back by two months. 

Works to replace the bridge along A1088 Bridge Farm Bridge in Stowlangtoft, near Bury St Edmunds, began on July 22. 

Originally Suffolk Highways said the road would be closed for five months and was expected to reopen on Friday, December 20. 

However, it has now been confirmed that the reopening date of the road has provisionally been pushed back until February 28. 

A spokesman for National Highways said: "We are confident that this will allow sufficient time for us to rectify the issues identified with the concrete and complete construction of the new bridge.

"One.network is now showing the extended road space booking and the advanced warning signs advising of the road closure will also be updated once we have finalised our revised programme.

"We apologise for any ongoing inconvenience caused by this unforeseen delay and would also like to thank the local community for their continued patience in the interim."

While the works are taking place a road closure will be in place between the junction with The Street in Stowlangtoft and Sandy Lane in Grimstone End to ensure the safety of road users and Suffolk Highways staff. 

Last month, Suffolk Highways reminded drivers to stick to the official diversion route as nearby roads experience an increase in traffic trying to bypass the closure by using unofficial and 'unsuitable' diversion routes. 

A spokesman for the authority said: "This has been especially prevalent on Kiln Lane which runs parallel to the section of the A1088 which is currently closed.

"Please respect residents by adhering to the official diversion in order to reduce the volume of traffic travelling along local roads, many of which are unsuitable for larger volumes of traffic."