A £3.5MILLION upgrade to water mains in Glasgow city centre has seen more than three out of five miles worth of pipe replacement.

But more disruption is on the way.

The work includes replacing mains in and around George Square.

Scottish Water say the work, which started in July 2012, will reduce the risk of bursts and the inconvenience to customers, road users and pedestrians caused by them.

It will also help provide clearer, fresher drinking water to properties in the area.

Patricia Melly, Scottish Water's project manager, said: "We are delighted to be making good progress with our project.

"We had some challenges after a burst water main and collapsed sewer in the Nelson Mandela Place area last month but this was quickly resolved.

"Road traffic management, such as lane closures, is required as this work progresses on a rolling basis. But we are doing everything possible to minimise any inconvenience."

Contractor, Farrans Construction, is replacing pipe-work beneath some of the city's busiest streets and is on course to complete the project this summer.

They have recently completed work in the George Square and Nelson Mandela Place area and, while there are still some sections of work to be finished in Hope Street, Bath Street and West Nile Street, the project is progressing away from the city centre along George Street from west to east.

Road traffic management will involve continued lane closures on parts of George Street from next Thursday for about five days.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk