Thousands of commuters and hundreds of residents and businesses were warned to expect large-scale disruption from today as work began to repair a burst water pipe on one of Bradford’s key arterial routes.

Due to the sheer size of the pipe which lies under Canal Road, a major repair is required which is expected to last for three weeks, according to Yorkshire Water.

A two-way traffic light system is being put into place at the junction of Gaisby Lane and Canal Road. Gaisby Lane will be closed with a short diversionary route in place.

Yorkshire Water spokesman Matt Thompson said: “It’s vital that we carry out this vital repair, as if we didn’t there is the risk that it could burst again, potentially disrupting water supplies to thousands of people in Bradford and causing further road damage to a key artery in and out of the city.

“We recognise that this repair will cause huge inconvenience to a great many people, from local residents and businesses, through to the many people who use this road and we’re sorry for this.

“We want to reassure them that we’ll be working as hard as possible to complete the work as quickly as we can and return everything back to normal.”

No water suppliers were disrupted when the pipe burst earlier this week and a temporary repair was carried out while the team developed plans for a permanent repair to protect water supplies in the area and ensure no further road damage.

Progress updates can be found at yorkshirewater.com or on Twitter @yorkshirewater.