Repairs totalling £2.9m to a dangerously weak bridge have finally been completed.

Two years ago, traders in Walthamstow claimed roadworks caused by the work had turned an area of Palmerston Road into a ghost town.

The bridge, which crosses the Barking to Gospel Oak Overground line, had to be closed to heavy vehicles as it was in desperate need of repair.

Buses were diverted from the area and lorries no longer passed through for the market.

Just months after the closure, shopowners said there had been a catastrophic downturn in takings.

In May, access was also blocked to cars as the final works were completed on the bridge built in 1884.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, cabinet member for environment, said the authority lobbied the rail company to finish in time for Christmas to help traders.

He said: “We’re really pleased to see this vital link open.

“I know it has caused both local people and businesses inconvenience and has been disruptive to those of us who travel around the borough regularly.

“It’s obviously really good news that Network Rail have managed to get the job done before Christmas.

“It is something we have been pushing for as we know the High Street traders in particular will really benefit from it reopening.”

Stringent weight and width restrictions were imposed in 2012 to prevent further deterioration, resulting in diversions to the W11 and W15 buses and HGVs servicing Walthamstow Market.

The repairs were complex, with Network Rail needing to divert 16 services from five different utility firms.

A large part of the work, the construction of the main beams and parapets, was completed over five weekends in August and September.

The works carried out by Network Rail were finally complete on December 4.

The road surface and bus stops were improved, with added lighting and signs.

There are alos improved facilities for cyclists.

The project was funded by Transport for London and the London Bridges Engineering Group.

According to the council, the work was completed three months before the contract deadline.