Road Rehabilitation Works Along Mendana Avenue in Honiara are Progressing Steadily with Drainage, Kerbing, and Pavement Upgrades Underway.
The road rehabilitation works within Honiara, along Mendana Avenue from the Heritage Park Roundabout to the SIPA junction at Point Cruz, are progressing well.
Current works, initially along the seaside carriageway, are focused on drainage upgrades, installation of roadside kerbing and pavement preparation ahead of final asphalt surfacing works. These activities are essential to ensure the completed road meets required engineering standards and can withstand increasing traffic demands.
During construction activity the contractor has encountered conflicts with existing utility services (power & telecom) that had not been expected and which requires close coordination with the respective service providers to resolve matters as and when they arise. This, together with some unfavourable weather conditions, has affected the pace of the works to date and the contractor is making best endeavours to achieve targeted timelines.
The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), remains committed to completing the seaside carriageway works soon before continuing with the landside carriageway along the same section of Mendana Avenue. Thereafter works will advance progressively, in a staged sequential manner, through the main Honiara commercial centre to finish at the MID/HCC roundabout.
The travelling public will be aware that the existing main road, through Honiara, suffers badly during periods of wet weather and this is a key reason why current roadwork activity is being carried out. To maintain road usability the most affected sections, particularly along the Central Market area, will be temporarily patched/repaired while work continues toward a permanent upgrade.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Mr Allan Lilia, said the project is delivering important improvements to one of Honiara’s busiest transport corridors.
“We are pleased with the steady progress made along this key stretch of road from Heritage Park Roundabout to the SIPA junction at Point Cruz. These improvements are necessary to ensure the road meets required safety and durability standards. Once completed, the upgraded road will significantly improve traffic flow, road safety, and overall driving conditions for all users,” Mr Lilia said.
Due to site constraints traffic, disruption & congestion is unavoidable during the ongoing construction works and this is compounded during poor weather conditions. The patience and understanding of the general public (road users as well as pedestrians), as well as the business community, continues to be recognised and appreciated.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when travelling through work zones as ongoing construction activities, and changing weather conditions, may result in temporary traffic delays and disruptions. Motorists and pedestrians are strongly urged to follow traffic management signage, observe speed limits, and cooperate with traffic controllers on site to ensure everyone’s safety while works are underway.
The upgrade works are being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), a collaboration between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government.
SOURCE: LMCP Press Release
