The Government should have dealt with a property dispute before it started work that has left a section of a main commuter route limited to a single lane, the Opposition said today.

Susan Jackson, the One Bermuda Alliance spokeswoman on transport, said that road users had been “held hostage” by roadworks between Highwood Lane and Lover’s Lane on Paget’s Harbour Road.

The work was expected to be completed three months ago.

Ms Jackson said: “Bermuda’s roads are dangerous enough without incomplete road works adding to dangerous corners and slippery road surfaces.

“Harbour Road construction delays now face further delays caused by a property dispute that should have been addressed before the project began.”

Ms Jackson asked: “Why hasn’t Public Works completed its due diligence and identified any conflicts with neighbouring property owners, increased road safety risks and weather delays before starting the project?”

She said the Government should be held responsible for the delays and the burdens imposed on taxpayers.

Ms Jackson added: “Back in March, a concerned road user suggested hiring a private marine contractor to complete the project and reduce the impact on traffic.

“If the Government is genuinely listening to the community, please explain why these suggestions were not adopted?

“Road users deserve an explanation.”

Work to repair a stretch of wall on Harbour Road started in June and was scheduled for completion in early August.

But a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works said last month that the project had suffered “significant delays” because of bad weather and an property dispute, although he did not release details.

He added that the work was more than 50 per cent complete.