MID adjusts Honiara roadworks schedule as repairs continue, maintaining traffic access and project progress
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), wishes to inform the public of an adjustment to the ongoing road construction schedule in the Central Market and Hot Bread Roundabout area.
Construction of the seaside road section between Point Cruz Hot Bread Roundabout and Central Market will commence this week as part of the ongoing road improvement works in Honiara City.
Meanwhile, progress on the Central Market to Honiara City Council (HCC) section has been temporarily affected by an unexpected mechanical breakdown of the contractor’s asphalt batching plant. A critical replacement part is currently being sourced from overseas, and repairs are expected to take approximately three to five days.
As a result, asphalt sealing works on the remaining section of roadway, including the Central Market bus bay, will resume once the replacement part arrives and the asphalt plant is restored to operation.
To minimise delays to the overall project schedule, the contractor will proceed with works on the seaside section between Hot Bread Roundabout and Central Market beginning this Thursday.
To facilitate these works, traffic arrangements will be adjusted as follows:
- Eastbound traffic will be directed to use the left lane of the landside section.
- The current drainage works on the landside section will be completed and temporary barriers removed to allow two-way traffic movement.
- Access through the eastern gate of Central Market will remain open.
- Vehicle access to Central Plaza, Hyundai Mall, Alvaro Building, and surrounding businesses will be maintained.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mr. Mike Qaqara, said the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the project progresses despite the temporary equipment setback.
“While the breakdown of the asphalt batching plant is unfortunate, we have worked closely with the contractor to minimise disruptions to the construction programme and the travelling public. Commencing works on the seaside section while repairs are underway will help maintain project momentum and reduce overall delays. We appreciate the patience and understanding of motorists, pedestrians, business operators, and the general public as these important road improvement works continue.”
Mr. Qaqara added that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and expects asphalt sealing works at the Central Market section, including the bus bay, to resume promptly once the replacement parts arrive and the plant is fully operational.
Once the Central Market section is fully completed and opened to traffic, a separate public advisory will be issued outlining the next phase of traffic management. This will include directing vehicles onto the newly asphalted seaside roadway via a temporary ramp to be constructed west of Central Market, consistent with the original traffic management plan.
MID and LMCP acknowledge the inconvenience caused by these temporary changes and appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as works continue to improve the road network within Honiara City.
Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to exercise caution, observe all traffic signs, and follow directions from traffic controllers while travelling through the construction zone.
The Ministry remains committed to improving road infrastructure and ensuring safer, more reliable transport networks for communities in Honiara and throughout the Solomon Islands.
The road upgrade works are being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
PRESS RELEASE
