Belco has repeated warnings that roadworks in Devonshire and Smith’s are expected to cause traffic disruptions throughout the summer.

According to a spokesman for energy provider Belco, trench work will start on Palmetto Road in Devonshire next Monday, May 30, as part of the company’s infrastructure upgrade.

As reported earlier this week by The Royal Gazette, the work will continue throughout the summer, concluding at Store Hill in Smith’s by the end of October.

The Palmetto Road to Barker's Hill roundabout portion of the project will cover approximately 300 feet and will require a single lane of traffic with traffic controls in place.

The spokesman said: “Road users should prepare for slight delays if using Palmetto Road between the Barker’s Hill roundabout and Old Military Road.

“Alternatively, road users can use North Shore and/or Middle Road as an alternate route to avoid that section of Palmetto Road while trenching is progressing.”

Once the trench reaches Barker’s Hill Roundabout, it is planned for the roundabout to remain half open with the north entrance to Barker’s Hill potentially being closed.

Hamilton-bound traffic will be directed to continue along North Shore and switch to Palmetto Road via Dock Hill or Black Watch Pass, while traffic headed east will be able to enter Barker's Hill Roundabout via Palmetto Road and North Shore Road.

Road users can avoid the area and associated delays by using Middle Road and Parson's Road with transitioning between the alternate routes and North Shore via Dock Hill, Black Watch Pass, Store Hill and so on.

The spokesman added: “After the trench progresses past the Barker's Hill Roundabout, it will head east towards Store Hill.

“During this portion of the trenching project, single lane traffic will be implemented at the site of the trench with traffic controls in place.

“Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for delays If they wish to travel along North Shore Road.

“At this time, road users can use Middle Road and transition back to North Shore via Barker's Hill if desired.

“The plan for the traffic controls once the trench reaches Barker’s Hill Roundabout is dependent on Government approvals and is subject to change.”

Wayne Caines, president of Belco, said: “We are acutely aware that our ongoing infrastructure upgrades are causing inconvenience and frustration for the public.

“We would ask for your patience and understanding, as these critical trenching projects will ensure a more robust transmission network that will enable the addition of renewables, as we transition to a sustainable energy future and work to meet our goal of achieving net zero by 2050.”

Trenching updates and further information, including advisories for road users, can be found on Belco’s website here.