Traffic was heavier than usual on Queen Street yesterday when motorists were affected by nearby road paving works.

The northern, or eastbound, lane on Front Street was closed between Burnaby Street and Parliament Street for the City of Hamilton’s programme of upgrades.

Motorists were asked to take alternative routes to ease the congestion.

A city spokeswoman said: “The northern/eastbound lane along Front Street between Burnaby Street and Parliament Street is barricaded off from traffic.”

She added that westbound traffic heading into Hamilton was “completely unimpeded”.

The spokeswoman said that all options were open to motorists on that Front Street route, including turning on to Queen Street.

She added: “However, if you come down Burnaby Hill and on to Front Street, you can only turn right.

“If you’re travelling eastbound from Pitts Bay Road to Front Street, you will be diverted up Queen Street.

“The No. 1 Car Park remains open, but motorists must access it coming westbound from Front Street.

“If you exit the No. 1 car park, you can only turn left and travel west.”

The spokeswoman explained: “The city has been working with delivery vehicles to allow access to all stores along Front Street where possible.

“We have noticed that a lot of traffic is building up along Queen Street and are requesting that motorists travelling west turn up Court Street or Parliament Street if possible to ease up congestion along Queen Street.

“We are asking for motorists’ patience while we carry out these essential upgrades.”

The city spokeswoman said earlier that the next stage of paving work will be on Front Street from the Birdcage to the ferry terminal, then in the area of Point Pleasant Road, including Barr’s Bay driveway.