Traffic at Flatts Bridge will now only be open to those travelling to Hamilton during rush hour.

From 7 to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, only one lane will be open for traffic as a result of considerable delays last week.

Work began on the bridge last Thursday leaving motorists waiting in line for at least 30 minutes to cross the bridge.

According to a press statement, the Ministry of Works and Engineering regrets the delays and explained how the new changes would work.

It said: "This Ministry of Works and Engineering seeks the cooperation and patience of the motoring public during the Flatts Bridge works project. The Ministry regrets any inconvenience resulting from the Flatts Bridge works project.

"Motorists who would normally travel east via North Shore Road and Flatts Bridge are asked to travel via Middle Road and Flatts Hill. They will then detour to Harrington Sound Road. At no time will traffic flow from either Flatts Hill or Harrington Sound Road be permitted access to North Shore Road."

In the evening, from 4.30 to 6.30 p.m., there will also be one-way traffic allowed across the bridge for those travelling east.

Motorist who would usually travel west by North Shore Road and Flatts Bridge are advised to travel through Harrington Sound Road, Knapton Hill and South Shore.

For motorists travelling from Flatts Hill, all traffic will be detoured to Harrington Sound Road.

The statement said: "In order not to impede traffic flow on North Shore Road, at no time will traffic flow from either Flatts Hill or Harrington Sound Road be permitted access to North Shore Road. The motoring public is asked to cooperate with this change so that traffic flow on North Shore Road is not impeded."

The only exception will be for heavy vehicle class traffic which will be allowed to enter Flatts by North Shore only if they are travelling east. All heavy trucks travelling west will be required to use Flatts Hill and will not be allowed to enter Flatts Village.

The Ministry has also advised all the rest of the motoring public who will be travelling east to Hamilton Parish to use North Shore and Flatts Bridge. Those travelling to St. George's are advised to detour to Harrington Sound Road.