Anyone wishing to participate in Good Friday celebrations will have regular access to Horseshoe Bay Beach via the main entrance off South Road.

Car parking and cycle parking will be available, as well as minibus, shuttle and drop-off areas, according to a press release from the Ministry of Public Works.

As in previous years, there will be no parking permitted along the access road leading down to the parking areas.

Main access to the beach has been closed since improvement works began in late January. The Ministry stressed that the “soft opening” of this entrance is for Good Friday only, from 7.30am until 10pm. After that, the gates will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians and remain closed to allow improvement works to continue until the grand opening during the first week of May. Any vehicles that are left in the parking lot Saturday morning will be towed at the owners’ expense.

Once Good Friday concludes, the public are reminded of the two alternative access locations, both just east of the main access point:

• A pedestrian access point is located across the street from the Southampton Rangers Sports Club field. This access has a large lay by and some parking for cars. Beach-goers using this access must exercise some caution due to the steep grade of the path to the beach.

• A second point is located at Chaplin Bay which is directly across the street from the Warwick Camp entrance. This access location provides entry for cars, cycles, and pedestrians. Once at this location, the beach visitor must walk in a westerly direction to reach Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Works minister Craig Cannonier stated: “It was of great importance to me to have the main beach access open for Good Friday.

“Going to Horseshoe Bay Beach on Good Friday has become a longstanding tradition for many people and my team worked feverishly to ensure that the area could safely accommodate beachgoers.”

Department of Parks and TCD staff will be on site assisting with traffic coordination and to ensure the safety of pedestrians on the newly-constructed boardwalk.

The concession at Horseshoe Bay Beach will be open for refreshments. The bathrooms at the beach, which have been undergoing renovations, will be open for Good Friday and will remain open.