WESSEX Water was expected to start its multi-million pound mains work in Bridgwater town centre this week and aims to minimise traffic disruption.

The company announced its £10 million Operation Clean and Clear was expected to start yesterday (Wednesday, July 28) on the Penel Orlieu and Broadway junction.

Engineers are laying a new water main so major parts of the centre can get water, while work takes place to renew mains in other areas.

It is hoped the six-week job will only cause traffic problems for four weeks, with one lane being closed to motorists travelling from the High Street.

Drivers will also be unable to turn right from North Street to West Street.

Despite this project manager Davin Eversett said the company has "gone to great lengths to reduce the impact to motorists".

He said: "This section of work is essential to our scheme to improve water quality for people and businesses in the town.

"Although Wessex Water will carry out the work in the middle of one of Bridgwater's busiest junctions – there will only be limited restrictions for traffic.

"We will insert the new water main within the existing main through a technique that will reduce the amount of excavating required in the highway.

"Additionally the main will be partly laid below a pavement to ensure there is less road work involved."

Operation Clean and Clear involves replacing, relining or cleaning around 27km of Bridgwater water mains to improve water quality.

Wessex Water met with Bridgwater Town Council and chamber of commerce to explain the work involved.