A road linking two parts of Carlisle will undergo a further major closure next week as the next phase gets underway of a £14 million scheme to upgrade water pipes.

United Utilities has already installed a new section of pipe along one part of Sandsfield Road, on the western outskirts of the city, as part of a four-year project.

Now another stretch will be shut as work moves into a new phase on Monday.

The water main running under Sandsfield Road - which links Belle Vue to Yewdale - has a history of bursts.

United Utilities say that the investment will ensure there is less disruption in the future.

The half-mile stretch of the route between Moorhouse Road to Housesteads Road has been closed since the start of the year.

From Monday, the rest of Sandsfield Road, from Housesteads Road to Orton Road, will be closed for about 14 weeks.

Work is expected to be completed by June.

Sandsfield Road is a popular run off the A689 western bypass. The A689 will be the diversion route for motorists.

A letter sent to residents in the area states that access to Hen Moss Farm, Prior Rigg Farm, Housesteads Road and Priorwood Close will be maintained at all times and pedestrian access will not be affected.

Engineers will also be at the junction of Orton Road and St Edmunds Park from March 27 for about 10 days when three-way temporary traffic lights will be in place.

Alex Bolton, from United Utilities, said: "This work is the latest phase in a four year project to upgrade Carlisle's water mains, ensuring great quality tap water for our customers for many years to come.

"At various stages, we'll be laying new pipes, cleaning existing pipes or inserting new plastic pipes inside existing water mains.

"We will do everything possible to minimise disruption for motorists, residents and businesses, and will continue to share information with communities as the scheme progresses."

The project is one of nine across Carlisle that United Utilities are embarking on to clean and refurbish more than 30km of pipes.

The whole scheme will improve water quality to 43,000 homes and properties.

Work elsewhere in the city has already involved refurbishing pipes from Cummersdale, through Upperby to Harraby and towards Scotby.

Concerns about water supplies in the west of the city have been raised in recent years.

Some of the pipes supplying water to 43,000 properties across Carlisle are more than 90 years old.

Over time natural mineral deposits build up inside and although not harmful, they can sometimes cause water to become discoloured.

Other areas of in and around the city where United Utilities will be working as part of their £14m improvement programme over the next three years include the villages of Cumwhinton and Wetheral, as well as the city’s Warwick Road, Castle Way and Georgian Way, London Road, Newfield and Stanwix.