THE re-opening of the Sir John Hawkins flyover in Chatham happened three days ahead of schedule.

It had been planned to open it up to cars today but because the final phase of signalling work was simpler than expected, the decision was taken to open it to northbound traffic on Friday afternoon.

However, its future is due to be discussed by Medway Council's Cabinet tomorrow.

The flyover was closed to general traffic last year when Chatham's ring road switched to two-way operation.

Under existing regeneration plans for Chatham, the flyover was expected to be bulldozed to make way for a new bus station, freeing up a key part of the Pentagon Shopping Centre for re-development.

But a campaign by traders, unhappy at the impact on their businesses, led to a change of heart, with council chiefs agreeing to a temporary reprieve.

Robin Cooper, regeneration director at Medway Council, said: "The flyover is open to traffic one-way from Railway Street towards Globe Lane. This will be kept under review.

"No decision has been made yet about the flyover's long-term future."