A section of the Queen’s Highway near Semo Village, heading towards Sigatoka, has been shut down following a culvert collapse earlier this afternoon. The incident, believed to be caused by heavy rainfall, occurred around 5 PM and has resulted in major traffic disruptions along that route.
Authorities have established a cordon around the affected area and are directing motorists from the Nadi side to take the Maro bypass road through Nalele Village, which allows access back to the highway toward Suva. Similarly, drivers coming from the Sigatoka direction are advised to utilize this same detour, which adds approximately 10 kilometers to their travel distance.
Local residents are actively assisting in managing traffic and helping people navigate the situation at the site. The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has arrived to assess the damage and noted that this is the third occasion the culvert has sunk due to heavy rainfall.
There are growing concerns about the temporary bypass road, which is narrow and restricted to cars and light goods vehicles. Consequently, larger vehicles such as buses and trucks will be unable to use it and may become stranded either way, leading to potential traffic congestion. To maintain public safety, police will increase patrols in the area to mitigate any possible criminal activity.
The FRA is expected to act promptly, with plans to temporarily cover part of the sunken culvert to allow for limited access while longer-term repairs are put in place. Motorists are advised to exercise patience and caution when navigating the detour.
This situation underscores the challenges extreme weather poses on infrastructure and emphasizes the importance of community cooperation during emergencies. Efforts are being made to ensure road safety and accessibility while seeking permanent solutions to the issues at hand.