TWO projects in Glasgow worth nearly £22million are set to improve the water network and electricity grid for tens of thousands of residents.

SP Energy Networks is due to complete one of the biggest modernisation projects it has undertaken in the last 50 years, in the Finnieston area of the city, while Scottish Water has upgraded 22 miles of pipes.

The £15m electricity investment is part of the new Finnieston Grid project, which includes a new substation, and will increase capacity on the network in Glasgow.

But motorists could face disruption as a section of Argyle Street will be closed for two weeks from March 9 while the upgrade goes ahead.

The firm said the work would improve reliability of services for the area, and support future growth.

A section of the street between Derby Street and Kelvingrove Street will be closed to vehicles, together with local access only on Corunna Street.

Signposted diversions will be in place directing traffic via Sauchiehall Street.

SP Energy Networks Glasgow and Clyde North District Manager, David Guthrie said: "This is a very significant power upgrade in Glasgow, and it is a major investment.

"It will ensure that the Glasgow network is modern and robust, and will help us to continue to deliver a highly reliable service for thousands of homes and businesses in the long term."

Meanwhile, Scottish Water has improved the security of supply of water for more than 70,000 people by upgrading 22 miles of pipes in parts of the north of the city, Bishopbriggs and the South Side.

The £6.9m investment was carried out on stretches of mains which have been affected by bursts in the past and has reduced the risk of bursts and the disruption to supply to customers and road traffic issues that bursts can cause.

Mark Maclaren, Scottish Water's regional communities team manager, said: "Scottish Water is delighted to have completed this important investment in our water infrastructure in many parts of the Glasgow area.

"We are well aware of the inconvenience that burst water mains and disruption to the normal water supply can cause and the improvements to sections of pipe in these areas will improve the service we provide to our customers there for many years to come.

"Scottish Water's improvement work on its infrastructure in these parts of Glasgow is very good news for the city.

"This type of investment underlines Scottish Water's commitment to improving services to customers across Scotland."