A worker has died underground in a sewer construction project on Hamilton's East Mountain.

Emergency responders were called to the scene at Rymal Road E. and Upper Centennial Parkway at 1:45 p.m.

Hamilton Fire says that a worker was working on a sewer system approximately 30 metres under the ground when the accident happened.

"This is no longer a rescue, it is now a recovery," Claudio Mostacci, Fire Safety Officer for Hamilton Fire told CBC News.

The Ministry of Labour has been notified and will take over the investigation.

The ministry says the worker fell down a tunnel and it was not able to provide any information on the extent of the injuries.

Police are asking the public to avoid the area and to take alternate routes.

One northbound lane on Upper Centennial Parkway is closed due to the investigation.