A schedule change for ongoing roadworks on Front Street was yesterday announced by the City of Hamilton in the wake of traffic disruptions.

Road repairs this week led to congestion along detours from Front Street, with some drivers ending up in a bottleneck on Queen Street.

A spokeswoman said the city was heeding “public response” and would now open Front Street to eastbound traffic between 4.30pm and 6pm only.

“This should ease congestion for traffic exiting the city during the post-work rush hour.”

Traffic coming into Hamilton between 4.30pm and 6pm will be diverted on to Court Street.

But for one restaurant operator, the switch in roadworks made no difference to the trade lost to the extensive repairs launched this week.

Rick Olsen, owner of the Front Street eatery Bermuda Bistro at the Beach, said the dig around his establishment by the junction with Burnaby Street had forced him to drop lunch service.

“The combination of some cruisers staying on the ship to avoid the Travel Authorisation and this has left us no option but to close for lunch Tuesday through Thursday until further notice,” he said.

The city spokeswoman apologised for any inconvenience caused to commuters and asked for patience as roads and sidewalks are upgraded.