Drivers have been warned to expect four weeks of delays and diversions as emergency road closures impact travel across a major UK city.
Emergency road works are currently taking place on Gordon Street in Glasgow city centre as Scottish Water carries out essential sewer repair work.
The closure affects the section between Renfield Street and West Nile Street, near Glasgow Central Station, which will remain shut until the work is completed.
While engineers work to fix the problem, the busy thoroughfare has been closed to all vehicles, with drivers forced to follow a diverted route.
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A busy section of the city centre will be closed for roughly four weeks
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A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: "This emergency work is essential to repair a defective sewer connection and protect nearby properties from internal flooding.
"We understand that closing a busy city centre street will cause disruption, and we will do all we can to complete the repair safely and as quickly as possible.
"We will remain in contact with affected businesses throughout, and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this urgent work is carried out."
But drivers have been warned that the closure is expected to cause significant disruption to traffic flow in the city centre, particularly given the street's proximity to one of Glasgow's main transport hubs.
Local authorities have implemented measures to manage the impact of the closure on traffic and public transport in the affected area.
While the road closure is expected to last for at least four weeks, the exact duration depends on ground conditions encountered during the work, Scottish Water warned.
Engineers will be able to better assess the timeline once further excavation gets underway and they can fully examine the condition of the sewer, the agency explained.
The repair work will focus on fixing a defective sewer connection in the area. Scottish Water has indicated that the extensive timeframe is necessary to ensure the repairs are completed properly and safely.
The closure comes at a busy time for the city centre, with the works likely to cause ongoing disruption throughout May. But local businesses along Gordon Street will be affected by the reduced access during the repair period.
Scottish Water said it has committed to maintaining communication with affected businesses throughout the duration of the works, with the company acknowledging the inconvenience but also the necessity of the sewer issues.
To help drivers avoid delays, a diversion route has been established via Drury Lane for vehicles affected by the closure. For articulated lorries, there is a left turn only restriction onto West Nile Street from the diversion route.
The traffic management plan has been designed to minimise disruption while allowing the essential repair work to proceed.
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The road closures will see drivers taken through different routes across the city
GETTYIn addition to the diversion, Scottish Water has received permission to suspend the bus gate on Union Street, which will remain in place for the duration of the repair works.
The temporary lifting of the bus gate restrictions will help to maintain public transport routes through the city centre.
