The National Works Agency (NWA) says the section of the North Coast Highway through Sandy Bay, Hanover is now open to vehicular traffic.

The roadway was impassable due to washed-down silt and debris from overnight rainfall.

In St. James, the main road from Barnett to Adelphi has again been made impassable also due to heavy siltation.

Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says the agency has deployed teams into the affected areas with a view to reopening the roads as quickly as possible.

Mr. Shaw also says a section of the North Gully in the community of Capital Heights, St. James has been impacted.

Flood waters were diverted onto the road due to a downed tree, affecting the roadway.

Mr. Shaw adds that multiple teams continue to operate in Hanover, St. James, Westmoreland and Trelawny as the NWA seeks to reopen all roads impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

He says work is taking place in the Petersville community in Westmoreland as the NWA seeks to ensure that critical services are delivered to affected residents. 

The community is one of two in the west that up to yesterday was inaccessible.

Mr. Shaw is urging persons to continue exercising caution when using the main road network at this time, as they are likely to encounter impediments while moving around.

He also reminds the public to be mindful of flash flooding, as underground aquifers are full and some waterways are still being impacted by debris associated with the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Mr. Shaw says the NWA is working closely with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) as several roads are being affected by downed poles and power lines.

The majority of these are in the central and western parishes that were hardest hit by the hurricane.