A major Glasgow road which has been closed since the beginning of January will not reopen until the end of June.
Scottish Water confirmed that High Street will not reopen between its junctions with Duke Street and Rottenrow until around Friday, June 30 due to essential repairs to the local sewer network.
The original six week work was due to finish by the end of February, but has now been pushed back until summer.
The extension has been put in place to ensure extensive repairs can be completed and the road can reopen safely, adding that there have been "several challenges" with the works.
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Georgina Reid, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs manager in the west, said: “It’s vitally important that we are as honest as we can be with our customers about timescales and, unfortunately, the reality is that our main contractors George Leslie Ltd have come across several challenges as these works have unfolded in High Street.
“There are issues which were completely unforeseen and could not have been established until we began digging. Uncharted services, remnants of old worksites that predate modern records and tricky ground conditions are all adding to complications.”
She added: “We are currently reviewing our work programme so that we can tackle the challenges the team are facing but there is no way we can avoid the longer closure.
"However, we would like to reassure everyone that we will work to expedite the delivery of this project where possible with the aim of re-opening the road sooner if we can.
“We will continue to work with local residents and business owners to help minimise any disruption for the duration of these works. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding throughout.”
Since works began, Scottish Water has implemented mitigation measures to help support businesses in the area. Banners have been displayed to ensure members of the public are aware that businesses are open as usual, as well as paid-for advertising on social media, and provisions to help facilitate deliveries.
Now that the initial excavations have been carried out, the work area is being reviewed and will be amended where possible to help address local businesses’ concerns.
All road traffic management has been agreed in liaison with Glasgow City Council and drivers are urged to follow the diversion which will be in place via John Knox Street and Wishart Street.
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