WELSH Water will start ground investigation work on the footpath of Monmouth’s Wye Bridge on January 6, 2014.

According to Monmouthshire council, valuable information will be gathered to establish the route of a new water pipe to maintain a reliable supply.

The work will take place over four days and will involve temporary two-way lights on the bridge, moving the current traffic light system further back onto the A466.

The temporary lights will be manned during busy periods to minimise disruption, said the council in a statement.

Pedestrian access will be on one side of the bridge only while works are carried out and further work will be necessary on the verge of the A40 trunk road.

Welsh Water, which is working closely with Monmouthshire’s highways department, said a lane will be closed on the A40 immediately south of the junction with the Wye Bridge.

The work will be done through the night to minimise disruption, from 8pm on January 13, to 6am the following day.

Welsh Water’s delivery manager, Roy Samuel said: "We know that our work can cause disruption and we would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during these essential investigations."

Welsh Water hope to start the main scheme to replace the water main in April and it will take around six months to complete, said Mr Samuel, adding that the company will liaise with residents and businesses when planning the main section of work.

"There will be no disruption to water or waste water services while we carry out this work," he said.

Customers can call Welsh Water’s customer services on 0800 052 0130 or email water.operations.enquiries@dwrcymru.com for information.