Severn Trent has issued a travel warning to Aston Villa and Newcastle United fans ahead of their Villa Park clash this Saturday, with the partial closure of Lichfield Road in Aston for emergency pipe repairs.

Diversions have been in place near The Swan and Mitre pub, as crews work on the complex repairs in the dual carriageway. The Lichfield Road site is one mile from Villa Park and is often used as a through route by many fans on matchday.

The road has been fully closed, but Severn Trent is looking to temporarily reopen two lanes of the Lichfield Road both before and after the match day, with West Midlands Police on site to help the traffic management. A full closure will be back in place following the match, until we complete repairs.

Severn Trent is now urging supporters to plan for delays or find an alternative route to the stadium if possible for the opening game of the Premier League season.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We know this is one of the main routes to Villa Park for some fans, including those leaving the M6 at Junction 6, so we apologise for any disruption. The closure was needed to protect the public and our workers as they carry out these complex repairs in the carriageway, but by partnering with West Midlands Police we are looking to partially open the road before and after the match. It will then return to a full road closure.

"We’re issuing the travel warning today so supporters are aware of the potential delays and have time to find an alternative route to Villa Park if they can and we would like to thank fans, as well as people living in the area, for their understanding and patience.”

Potential alternative route for those travelling from north on M6:

Leave M6 motorway at Junction 7 (Great Barr) and follow the signs for Birmingham Road/A34 and follow for 3.3 miles. Keep right and continue on Walsall Road/A34 for 0.4 miles before turning left onto Birchfield Road. Follow for 0.2 miles before taking a left into Trinity Road, with Villa Park some 0.8 miles away.  Matchday parking options are available at various private sites, a few minutes walk away from the stadium.