A SECTION of the island’s main thoroughfare on Constant Spring Road, in the vicinity of Marketplace, is closed.

The decision to divert traffic away from the area came about 4:00 pm yesterday, as two sections of the roadway collapsed due to problems with the sewerage infrasturcture.

“Closure of the affected section of the roadway is being done out of an abundance of caution as additional failures are possible, which could put lives at risk,” said Stephen Shaw, National Works Agency (NWA) communication and customer services manager.

The repair work is expected to be completed on Monday, October 10.

Shaw said it was too early to say how much it repairs would cost.

“We can’t say as it is an emergency situation… it’s a failure in the underground sewerage system. Therefore, the National Water Commission would go in first to do their repairs,” he told

Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“In terms of how long it will take overall, that is a function of how long the water commission takes. When they have managed to excavate it, it is at that time they will say how long it will take for repairs for it to be reopened. The pipe that is an issue is some 18-feet below the ground, so there is quite a bit digging to get to the area,” he continued.

He said they will be working as quickly as possible as the Constant Spring roadway is the second most heavily used traffic corridor on the island, next to the Mandela Highway in St Catherine as it sees up to 45,000 vehicles per day.

Shaw also said the Jamaica Urban Transit Company may have to adjust their bus schedules as the longer buses were unable to use the lanes available. He said motorists are advised to take alternative routes.

“There are several routes they can take Waterloo Road or Molynes Road and so on,” said Shaw.

When the

Jamaica Observer contacted Half-Way-Tree Police Station, they said no directives were given, so they were unable to provide an update on the traffic situation.

Shaw said a report has been submitted on the damage to the island’s road network due to the passage of Hurricane Matthew.