Long lines of traffic and even longer delays made for a rough commute on the Trans Canada Highway near Avondale over the weekend, but safety concerns were at the top of mind for many.

Backfilling and soil compaction continues on the TCH near Avondale. Eastbound detour in excess of 2.5 hours. #nltraffic pic.twitter.com/lcyJ7vI9hC

— Transportation and Works NL (@TW_GovNL) September 15, 2019

Work to replace three culverts on the TCH near Avondale is moving along with all-three new culverts in the ground with the backfilling and compaction of soil continuing today.

There were many complaints to the VOCM Newsroom of detours and delays of anywhere between one and three hours.

Cathy Goulding was stuck in the backlog on Sunday afternoon, and although frustrating, she says her biggest concern was in the case of emergency, an ambulance or fire truck would have a very difficult time getting through. She says if someone had a medical emergency it would b nearly impossible to get help.

Melinda Durdle says traffic was backed up from the Brigus Junction area, bumper to bumper, through the detour all the way to Salmonier line. She says if there was an accident or emergency they would have to send a helicopter and adds there has to be a better way.

The portion of the TCH will remain closed again today, but is expected to re-open to at least one lane in each direction on Tuesday morning.