A KEY section of York’s inner ring road is to close for up to a fortnight, forcing motorists and buses to take a lengthy diversion.

Gillygate will shut on April 24 so Yorkshire Water contractors can carry out improvements to a water main - just eight months after the road closed to allow for emergency sewer repairs by the same company.

Yorkshire Water project manager Dave Standish said: “We’re aware of the impact these essential improvements will have with regards to traffic and we’d urge people to bear with us whilst we carry out this important work.”

A three-inch water main, originally laid in 1910, needs to be dug down to and relined to improve the taste and appearance of drinking water in the area after several customers reported issues with discoloured water.

To ensure the work is done as swiftly as possible, contractors will be working Monday to Sunday 7am to 7pm throughout the project.

Homes and businesses operating on Gillygate have each been sent a letter to make them aware of the planned works. All businesses within the closure will also be visited.

Mr Standish said Yorkshire Water had a duty to ensure it could continue to provide the best possible drinking water to its customers.

Access will be maintained for emergency services, with ambulances allowed through to get to York Hospital, and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

He said the work could not have been carried out at the same time as the emergency repairs to a collapsed sewer last summer, which were needed after a hole appeared in the carriageway and led to closure.

Local traders have welcomed the closure. One said: “I would be happy for the road to be closed permanently, apart from buses and bikes, because of pollution levels and noise, and difficulties for pedestrians crossing the road.”