Hook Road in Surbiton has reopened more than a week before it was scheduled to, after essential work to gas mains was completed much earlier than expected.

SGN, the gas network manager, was replacing metal pipes with plastic, which has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

This meant the road was closed from the A3 roundabout to the Shell garage.

The work caused annoyance among residents for rerouting buses and increasing pressure on roads already likely to be strained by the Waterloo Upgrade, with station closures and a reduced train schedule.

A Kingston Council spokeswoman said the dates were chosen because they were during the school holidays and after RideLondon.

Hannah Brett, on behalf of SGN, thanked those affected for their patience while the upgrade was carried out.