YORK'S traffic congestion eased a little today after repairs of a fractured gas main were completed more quickly than expected.

Transco closed one of the two traffic lanes on Castle Mills Bridge on Wednesday after discovering a gas leak.

The roadworks, coming at a time when more motorists are coming through town to avoid roadworks on the A64 at Copmanthorpe, contributed to massive rush-hour traffic jams on Wednesday evening and again yesterday.

Transco expected the repairs to be completed by lunchtime today but managed to get the road fully reinstated in time for this morning's rush hour.

"We worked to get it completed as quickly as we could," said a spokesman.

Meanwhile, York hotel general manager and Hospitality Association chairwoman Shara Ross has spoken out about the impact of the A64 roadworks on her staff at the Grange Hotel. She said many staff worked split shifts, and were having to spend considerably longer getting to and from work because of the knock-on effects of the roadworks, even though they were on the other side of town.

But she said she was not aware of the roadworks causing major problems for her guests.

And she stressed that there might be positive benefits for some York bars and restaurants from the roadworks, if day-trippers decide to stay on longer in the city to avoid the evening rush-hour jams. She said they might enjoy a drink and a meal in York before leaving the city for home.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, October 19, 2001