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Tharwa Drive will be re-opened to traffic from 4pm on Tuesday after work to install a sewer line was finished ahead of schedule. The road wasn't expected to reopen until Australia Day after it was closed last Monday as part of work on the South Tuggeranong Fire and Rescue Station sparking outrage from angry motorists. The work was expected to take 10 to 11 days, but the road was earmarked to remain closed until January 26. Emergency services minister Joy Burch said the road would be reopened before Tuesday's peak hour traffic as the contractor had finished the major sewer works on schedule. "I know that residents of Lanyon Valley have experienced frustration and delays while these necessary works have been carried out, and I thank them for their patience and understanding," she said. "The new sewer main line has now been successfully installed underneath Tharwa Drive and the road can be reopened." Ms Burch said minor road works to be finalised over coming days would be done outside of peak hour to minimise further delays. The ESA acknowledged the patience of Lanyon Valley residents during the nine-day road closure, a spokesman said. "The ESA also appreciates the efforts of the contractor undertaking the installation of the sewer main to finalise this work ahead of schedule and the traffic control marshals who diligently carried out their work over long hours in difficult circumstances," he said. Motorists stuck in traffic for hours during peak times while the road was closed last week slammed the government's decision to begin the work when many Canberrans were returning from the holiday break prompting a raft of changes to traffic arrangements and free bus travel for residents caught up in the delays. Ms Burch said she looked forward to meeting the community at an open day when the new station opens later this year.

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