A section of the Queen’s Highway near Semo Village, heading towards Sigatoka, has been closed following the collapse of a culvert earlier this afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 5 PM and is believed to be caused by heavy rainfall, has resulted in significant disruptions to traffic on that stretch of the highway.
Authorities have cordoned off the affected area and are redirecting motorists from the Nadi side through the Maro bypass road via Nalele Village, which offers a route back to the highway towards Suva. Similarly, drivers approaching from the Sigatoka end are advised to use the same detour, which adds approximately 10 kilometers to their journey.
Local villagers are lending a hand by assisting with the movement of people and managing traffic at the site. The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is currently on the scene evaluating the damage, noting that this marks the third instance of the culvert sinking due to heavy rainfall.
Concerns have been raised regarding the temporary bypass road, which is narrow and limited to cars and light goods vehicles. As a result, heavier vehicles like buses and trucks are unable to pass and are expected to be stranded at either end, likely leading to traffic congestion. To ensure public safety, police will be increasing patrols in the area to deter any potential criminal activity.
The FRA is anticipated to take swift action, with plans to temporarily cover part of the sunken section to enable limited access while longer-term repairs are organized. Motorists are encouraged to be patient and exercise caution while navigating the detour.
This incident highlights the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure and the importance of community collaboration during such emergencies. Efforts are being made to ensure the safety and accessibility of the roads while permanent solutions are sought.