Improvements starting today at Horseshoe Bay Beach, including work on a boardwalk, will affect access to the island’s most famous beach.

With residents querying why a barrier had been erected over the weekend, a government statement said access through the main entrance would be restored once the makeover was complete in May 1.

The works, aimed at improving the ease of transport and accessibility, were said to be in keeping with the “Beach Vision” laid out in May 2016.

Two alternate locations east of the usual entrance will provide access: the thoroughfare across from the Southampton Rangers Sports Club field, which has some car parking — and where beachgoers are warned to take care on the steep path.

The second point will be through Chaplin Bay, directly across from the entrance to Warwick Camp, providing access for cars, cycles and pedestrians. Visitors will then head west to Horseshoe Bay, with signs to be placed in the days ahead.

Additions include:

• A timber pedestrian boardwalk with view corridor and seating, connecting to a concrete sidewalk with ramp to the existing beach access;

• Stormwater drainage systems;

• Relocation of the existing asphalt road to the north of the property with circular vehicular loop;

• New bus, shuttle, minibus and taxi drop-off zones, and car and bike parking with turf-grass surface;

• Repositioning of the existing salt-water pump for bathrooms;

• A new retaining wall and seating near the bus drop-off;

• Removal of invasive species of plants and trees, with planting and protection of existing vegetation;

• New parking facility lighting with Belco poles.

Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities, said the Beach Vision would focus also on John Smith’s Bay, Shelly Bay, Tobacco Bay and Clearwater, aimed at improving facilities on beaches with infrastructure already in place.

A concessions tender for Horseshoe went last year to the operators of the Bermuda Bistro at the Beach. Chops Ltd, which also runs Red Steakhouse and Bar, has promised a “classic, vibrant, laid-back Bermuda beach experience”.

There are plans for a happy hour, live music, small gift shop, and an “exciting mix of local and ethnic cuisine”, along with the rental of chairs, beach toys and umbrellas.