The Tribune

MOTORISTS across New Providence are being warned to expect further traffic disruptions tomorrow as police implement extensive road closures and restrictions to accommodate King Charles III's official visit.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force announced that restrictions will begin as early as midnight tonight in downtown Nassau, with additional closures taking effect from 9.30am tomorrow along major routes, including Shirley Street, West Bay Street, Gladstone Road, Carmichael Road, Fire Trail Road, Baillou Hill Road and Bay Street.

The restrictions will accommodate the King's movements between Paradise Island, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force base, Bonefish Pond National Park, the National Boxing Academy, Parliament Square and Government House.

Police said most road closures along the convoy routes will be temporary, with roads reopening once the royal motorcade has passed and it is safe to do so. However, streets surrounding venues hosting official engagements will remain closed for security purposes.

The first major convoy movement is scheduled for 9.30am, when the King travels from Paradise Island to the RBDF base in Coral Harbour.

The route will affect Paradise Island Drive, Shirley Street, portions of West Bay Street, Baha Mar Boulevard, Gladstone Road, Carmichael Road and Coral Harbour Road, along with numerous connecting streets and intersections.

Beginning at 10am, additional closures will accommodate the convoy's journey from the RBDF base to Bonefish Pond National Park, affecting Coral Harbour Road, Carmichael Road, Unison Road and Cowpen Road.

Restrictions will also take effect from 10am along the route to the National Boxing Academy, including Gladstone Road, Fire Trail Road, the Sir Milo Butler Highway roundabout, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway and Bahamas Games Boulevard.

Additional restrictions around the National Boxing Academy will begin at 11am, affecting sections of Bahamas Games Boulevard, University Commons, Corridor 7, Bethel Avenue and Celery Drive.

From 2pm, police will close numerous intersections along Baillou Hill Road, stretching from Celery Drive towards downtown Nassau, as the royal convoy moves through the area.

Downtown Nassau will face some of the most significant restrictions, with sections of Bay Street and Marlborough Street closing from midnight tonight and remaining closed until after the scheduled ceremony.

Affected areas include Bay Street between Market Street and George Street, Bay Street between George Street and Cumberland Street, Marlborough Street between Cumberland Street and West Street, and Bay Street between Navy Lyon Road and East Street, including connecting side streets.

Further closures will begin at 10am tomorrow along Bay Street between East Street and Cumberland Street, as well as the intersection of East Street and Shirley Street.

Parking will also be prohibited from midnight tonight on both sides of Bay Street between East Street and Navy Lyon Road, Bay Street between Elizabeth Avenue and Navy Lyon Street, and Parliament Street between Woodes Rodgers Walk and Shirley Street.

Police have announced diversions for motorists travelling through downtown Nassau. Eastbound traffic on Bay Street will be directed north onto Navy Lyon Road, along Woodes Rodgers Wharf to East Street, before rejoining Bay Street.

Westbound traffic on Shirley Street will be diverted onto Elizabeth Avenue, Sands Road and East Street.

Around Government House, closures will begin at 11am, affecting Parliament Street, East Hill Street, Blue Hill Road between Dillet Street and Duke Street, School Lane and Market Street between Duke Street and School Lane.

Westbound traffic on Blue Hill Road will be diverted along Dillet Street to Nassau Street.

Further restrictions will begin at 2pm as the royal convoy travels from Government House to Paradise Island, affecting West Hill Street, Baillou Hill Road, Cumberland Street, Bay Street, East Bay Street and Paradise Island Drive.

Police said officers will be deployed throughout the affected areas to manage traffic and assist motorists.

Residents and businesses along the designated routes have been advised to make arrangements in advance, while motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes and allow additional travelling time.

The police also advised that access to homes and businesses along outer security perimeters would be accommodated where practicable.