Yorkshire Water is due to start a £1 million scheme to replace a 1.5km long ageing clean water pipe in Bradford.

Over the last few years, the water pipe has burst several times so is being replaced to ensure continuous supply of high-quality drinking water across Bradford.

From Tuesday, May 29, Yorkshire Water’s partner Morrison Utility Services will start work to install this new pipe on Toller Lane, Whetley Hill, White Abbey Road and Westgate.

The work will be completed in five phases and will take about four months to complete.

The first phase will take around three weeks. Toller Lane from its junction with Church Street to the junction with Carlisle Road will be closed to city bound vehicular traffic. Diversions will be put in place along Lilycroft Road to Manningham Lane.

Buses to the city centre will also be diverted during this phase for city bound travellers with buses using Lilycroft Road, Oak Lane, St Marys Road, Skinner Lane and Carlisle Road before returning to their normal route. Services travelling out of Bradford city centre will not be affected.

The second phase will start in late June to mid-July and will result in the closure of Whetley Hill to White Abbey Road at its junction with City Road. Further details about the other phases will be made aware to customers in due course.

Yorkshire Water’s Communications Advisor Mark Allsop said "We'd like to apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst this essential work takes place.

"We’ve worked closely with Bradford Highways and local bus companies to try and minimise disruption at every stage of this scheme. We can appreciate that the road closures will be disruptive to local customers and commuters alike and would like to thank them in advance for their patience.

"Please be assured our teams will be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work as quickly as possible. Local businesses are open as usual and we ask that you please continue to support them during this time."

Coun Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Although the work being carried out by Yorkshire Water is essential, it will cause lots of disruption and I would encourage those who use these routes to travel in to and out of the city centre to make sure they are aware of the road closures and diversion routes and allow extra time for their journeys.

"We have been assured by Yorkshire Water that they will do everything they can to keep disruption to a minimum.”