ONE of the main routes into Hereford is to close for two weeks.

Three Elms Road will be shut to southbound traffic from July 29.

Diversions will be put in place for drivers unable to access the route from Roman Road to The Monument roundabout.

The closure is needed as part of Welsh Water’s £10 million investment to install a brand new large water pipe between Bewdley Bank Reservoir and the outskirts of Hereford.

The not-for-profit water company says the project is progressing well and 7.4 kilometres of the 7.5 kilometre water main have been installed.

However, work is now needed to install a section of pipe on Three Elms Road near the Whitecross memorial.

Welsh Water says that, due to the difficult location of this work, a lane closure will be required on the southbound carriageway.

Discussions have taken place between Welsh Water and the Herefordshire Highways team and the decision was taken to carry out the work during school holidays to ensure "any disruption to traffic is kept to a minimum".

Welsh Water says that once the project is complete in September, the work will help the network operate more effectively during periods of high demand and ensure a more reliable supply for customers.

It will also help address other supply issues some customers experience including low water pressure or discoloured water.

Aled Morgan, Welsh Water’s Infrastructure Programme Manager, said the work will also enable growth and economic development in the area.

“As a company, we are committed to ensuring we provide a first class service to our customers," he added.

"This essential work will help us to continue to provide customers with first class supply while also providing additional capacity for future growth identified in the local development plan.

"Our work in Hereford reflects our commitment to reinvest profits directly for the benefit of customers and the communities we serve.

“Although we have avoided it wherever possible, it is inevitable that some sections of this work will need to be done in the highways.

"While we are working on these sections, we will do all we can to ensure traffic is kept flowing as freely as possible, while protecting the safety of the public and our workforce.

"We are working with Balfour Beatty Living Places to ensure we have the best traffic management and advanced warning signage in place."

Mr Morgan said there should be no disruption to customers’ water supplies while work is carried out.