MOTORISTS and pedestrians face weeks of chaos as roads are dug up to tackle burst water pipes.

As well as traffic problems, residents have been warned they could be hit with disruptions to water supplies.

The warnings come as Scottish Water began a major upgrade programme today which is planned to last for 12 weeks.

The utility giant plans to replace old water mains with new plastic ones in Duke Street, Bellgrove Street and the Gallowgate.

Temporary traffic lights will be in operation as work gets underway at the busy junction of Duke Street and Bellgrove Street.

A spokesman for Dennistoun Community Council, said: "These will be in place for approximately two weeks and will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Temporary lights will also be in use at Bellgrove Street for seven weeks, while replacement work is due to begin at the Gallowgate at the junction of Bellgrove Street on Monday, November 12, for three weeks. The community council also warned residents may have to go without water from time to time.

A spokesman for Scottish Water said: "There may be some disruption to supplies.

"If this is the case, residents will be given at least 48 hours advance notification.

"During the works, they may experience low pressure and/or discoloured water.

"If that happens, they should run the cold tap until the water runs clear before using any water."

The work is part of £3.5m worth of improvements to the water network, involving replacement of five miles of Victorian pipes under some of the city's busiest streets.

Scottish Watert official Mark Maclaren said more than 600 customers living in 200 homes in the city will benefit from the current works.

He said: "By replacing the old mains with new plastic pipes, we have reduced the risk of burst pipes – which can cause loss of supply and leakage of water – and this will help ensure we continue to provide clear, fresh drinking water to our customers in the area 24/7."

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk