Water mains work closes Manchester road junction

A major road junction in Manchester city centre has been closed, as United Utilities works to replace Victorian water mains.

The junction of Portland Street, Newton Street and Piccadilly will be closed for about seven weeks, the firm said.

The work is part of an £8m water improvement project in the city, which has under way since 2007.

John Nock from United Utilities said the firm was doing everything it could to minimise disruption.

Engineers will be working seven days a week, he said.

Mr Nock added: "No one likes roadworks, especially in the middle of a busy city like Manchester, so we have really appreciated the patience of traders, motorists and residents over the last three years.

"Our Victorian forebears did an amazing job bringing sanitation and clean water to the crowded city, helping it grow from strength to strength over the last 150 years, but their cast iron pipes were past their sell-by date.

"The new plastic pipes will stop leaks, improve water quality and pressure and serve the city well for the next century."

Diversion signs will displayed near to the site and matrix signs will warn motorists as they enter the city centre.