The Highways Agency has confirmed that the second phase of safety improvements works on the A49 between Hereford and Ross are now complete and thanked road users and local residents for their co-operation while the works were undertaken.

Road users are benefiting from a range of enhancements including lower speed limits, improved road markings, signage and road surfacing as part of the £1.7million project to improve safety on eleven sites on this major trunk road.

Work was completed on the first four sites in April 2011, and the remaining seven sites between Redhill and Wilton completed last month.

Highways Agency project sponsor Charlotte Foster thanked regular road users and local residents for their patience while the work was carried out.

Routine maintenance work was also undertaken to prevent the need for further works and road closures in coming months.

Work was slightly delayed due to cold weather at the start of the year.

Herefordshire county councillor and local road safety campaigner Russell B. Hamilton said: "Whilst great strides have been made in road safety in Herefordshire over recent years, I am delighted to see further improvements on the A49. My colleague, Councillor Jenny Hyde and I have been campaigning for a long time to see a reduced speed limit and additional safety features through Bridstow.

"Hopefully these measures together with the enforcement of speed limits will make the A49 through our communities even safer."