Delay warning for water pipe work

Queues of traffic formed on approach roads near the water pipe repair work

Motorists in Manchester city centre have been warned to expect lengthy delays due to an £8m project to replace corroded Victorian water pipes.

The United Utilities work means Oxford Road, between the junction with Hulme Street and Whitworth Street, will be closed for five weeks except to buses.

Underground cast iron pipes are being replaced with plastic ones to improve water quality and stop leaks.

Further road closures will take place over the next three-and-a-half months.

Helen Wilson, from United Utilities, said the company had worked with the city council and bus companies to minimise disruption.

From 22 June until 2 August work will progress to nearby Oxford Street, between the junctions of Whitworth Street and Portland Street, again the road will be closed to all traffic except buses.

The third phase of the work on Oxford Street will run from 3 to 30 August between the junctions of Portland Street and Lower Mosley Street.