MOTORISTS can expect delays when a major water mains replacement job starts in Bradford on Monday.

The 12-week project will take place in the BD2 and BD3 areas of the city and is due to run until mid-April.

Yorkshire Water’s contractors Morrison Utility Services will carry out the work.

They will be replacing the water mains that run under the A6177 Queen’s Road, King’s Road, Bolton Road and the section of Queen’s Road that runs between Bolton Road and the A6177.

Yorkshire Water said the water mains will be replaced to increase the security of customers’ water supplies and reduce the risk of bursts.

Traffic management will be used during the work so it can be done safely, said Yorkshire Water. Traffic lights will be used on Queen’s Road, King’s Road and Bolton Road.

A lane closure will be in place on Queen’s Road (the minor road between Bolton Road and the A6177) so there will be no access to this road from Bolton Road. Motorists will only be able to access this stretch of Queen’s Road from the A6177.

Martin Cooper, who is Yorkshire Water’s project manager, said: “We appreciate this might not be possible for everyone but we would advise motorists to consider a different route or allow extra time if they do need to travel to the area. We apologise for any traffic delays.”

Councillor David Ward (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe) said: “It is for a long period of time. I was quite shocked as to how long it will be on for - let’s hope it doesn’t last the whole 12 weeks. Let’s hope they crack on with it and get the work done. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing road closed signs and then no-one working.”

He added: “These are substantial routes into work for many people, so it is going to be a huge inconvenience.

“We want them to manage it as best they can and to get the work done as quickly as possible, and with as little inconvenience as possible.”

Yorkshire Water said it was unlikely any employees of the company or Morrison Utility Services would need access to properties during the work, so asked people to be wary of bogus callers. A spokesman said: “Employees of both companies carry identity cards which can be checked by telephoning 0800 1 387878 and they won’t mind waiting while details are verified.”