THINGS are really starting to take shape along the new Blunsdon bypass.

The diggers have almost finished moving earth, the new bridges are well under way and workers are preparing to put down the first of the road's surfaces as it snakes its way towards the hill at Blunsdon.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "They are still moving earth but large sections of the new road construction are nearing completion.

"Work has now started at the northern tie-in, which will join the old road and the new bypass. Workers are currently working on the northern end and work on the southern end of the road is due to start in the spring."

In August work began to move the giant steel beams for the Lady Lane Bridge.

Along with another bridge and an underpass, it will form a major part of the Highway Agency's £65m project to relieve congestion through Blunsdon. It is thought that the new bridge will be completed by Christmas.

Work started on the scheme on September 18 last year - several months earlier than originally planned - and the bypass is expected to be open to traffic in the winter of 2008.

As part of the scheme, the BP garage and former Little Chef restaurant that stood on the Turnpike Roundabout have both been demolished.

"It is going very well so far," said the spokesman. "They hope to be able to lay down the first black surface for the new road before Christmas.

"It is unlikely motorists will be able to see this as they drive past though. Until then, they are continuing to move earth and build structures."

When finished, there will be a two-mile dual carriageway bypass and a new, two-level junction, which will replace Turnpike roundabout and take thousands of cars out of Blunsdon.