Bristol Airport 'rat-run' at Barrow Gurney to close for water work

The route through Barrow Gurney will be closed for six months

A busy commuter route from the A370 to Bristol Airport will be closed in June for six months for "essential" water work, it has been announced.

Bristol Water is digging up the B3130 through Barrow Gurney as part of the Chelvey to Barrow renovation scheme.

The works are part of a £22m project to renovate 60km (37 miles) of water mains in the area over the next three years.

Barrow Street will be closed to traffic on 3 June until December. Access for residents and businesses will continue.

Bristol Water said the work was needed to "improve water quality and ensure the security of water supply for the future".

The Chelvey to Barrow project involves renovating two water mains connecting Barrow Treatment Works to Chelvey. The two-part project began in July 2012.

The mains, parts of which were originally laid in the 1860s, supply treated water to the Backwell, Nailsea, Flax Bourton, Barrow Gurney and Long Ashton areas as well as directly into Bristol.

"We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and thank you for your continued co-operation with the necessary traffic and footpath restrictions that have been put in place," a Bristol Water statement said.

Daniel Contractors Limited has been appointed civil contractors and will work on behalf of Bristol Water.