The end is in sight to delays and tailbacks after a long-running bridge repair but a full inquest has been called for into the delays.

Roding Bridge in Chigwell Rise which links Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell has experienced ongoing repairs since December 2012.

Temporary traffic lights in the road allowing only single lane traffic have caused queues of traffic since the work began.

There have been a variety of problems with the project, including a dispute with utility providers, vandalism and the recent discovery the bridge was crumbling.

Essex county Council anticipates the lights will be removed on Wednesday but further outstanding work would take place over the following two weeks.

During that fortnight there may be occasional lane closures managed by temporary traffic lights at off peak times between 10am and 3pm.

Valerie Metcalfe, Essex County Councillor for Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South said: “John Knapman [county councillor for Chigwell Village]and I have decided that we do want a full inquest into how and why this has taken so long as we are both so furious and frustrated.

“I shall probably go and chain myself to their railings next Thursday if the lights have not been removed by then.”

A spokesman for the highways authority said: “We would like to apologise for the disruption and inconvenience to residents while works are being carried out.

“We would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation while we complete these final works.”