The government has apologised after the closure of the tunnel's westbound lane on Saturday (1 July) caused gridlock across town.

The Infrastructure department says that, following the 'traffic levels' at the weekend, it will be reviewing traffic management and signage to see where improvements can be made.

”Whilst ‘advance notice of upcoming works’ signs were put up ahead of the project, and details posted on gov.je, the Infrastructure and Environment team acknowledges that further communication should have been issues and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”  

Hundreds of islanders took to social media to complain about the chaos, saying that cars were at a standstill across much of St Helier.  Many criticised a lack of advance notice, appropriate signage and effective diversion routes. 

These tweets include footage of the queues of traffic that built up: 

Not exactly a typical Saturday, Tom, as tunnel closed without most people knowing about it. https://t.co/U8YrlkwBBp

— Tony Moretta (@TonyMoretta) July 1, 2023

Because no one know they are driving right up from georgetown and being ushered into one lane to turn right down green street pic.twitter.com/k31aWH2OBP

— myPhilTaylor (@myPhilTaylor) July 1, 2023

However, disruption will continue throughout July as a new sewage pipe is laid to allow waste to travel from the east of the island to the Bellozanne Treatment Plant.

During the week, the tunnel will be open both ways but work will be continuing on the westbound lanes by the Commercial Buildings exit.

At weekends the westbound road will be completely closed, between 7pm on the Friday to 6.30am on the Monday.

The full list of closures are: