Traffic lights around a busy roadway have been malfunctioning for weeks after a rainstorm short-circuited their wiring — although the continually flashing signals serve to draw extra attention to the pedestrian crossing.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works said that workers had evaluated the stoplights by the East Broadway roundabout leading into and out of Hamilton, which had been out of commission since last month.

He said that the control box had been damaged by water from “torrential downpour”, which caused “a critical component to short-circuit due to water exposure”.

The spokesman added: “Given the age of this lighting system, replacement parts are difficult to source.

“The lights are flashing in a caution mode and signage has been posted to alert motorists.

“The ministry is actively working to upgrade outdated crossing and traffic light infrastructure across the island.”

Trouble with the traffic lights continued as the public works ministry contended with fixing the stoplights on St John’s Road in Pembroke, opposite WER Joell Stadium.

The lights, which manage the road’s intersection with Marsh Folly Road, have been out of commission since July after a vehicle hit its control box.

The ministry spokesman said that several stand-alone crossing lights had been bought to fix the stoplights, including those at East Broadway.

He added: “As these new systems require specific design and careful production, an exact timeline for their procurement and installation is not available at this time.”