KINGSTON, Jamaica — The operating hours of Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses will be extended this evening due to traffic congestion throughout the major corridors of the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region, the State-owned bus company said on Twitter.

Up to 10:30pm yesterday, Washington Boulevard, Hagley Park Road, Spanish Town Road and Mandela Highway were congested with traffic.

JUTC explained that its service delivery last night was impacted by rain as well as on-going roadwork by the National Work Agency (NWA) on the Mandela Highway and Mona in Kingston.

“Commuters, it’s going to be another tough evening, as we brace for the impact of more rain due to a trough across Jamaica. To this end, the JUTC will be extending its service time to ensure that we take home our commuters,” the JUTC tweeted.

Earlier today, the NWA advised motorists who use the Mandela Highway to travel to parishes west of Kingston, such as Clarendon and St Catherine, to use alternative routes where possible in order to reduce their travel time as they may encounter significant delays due to the impact of flooding on a section of the roadway.

The agency suggested that the motorists use the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 or the Sligoville route where possible.