The Government is implementing immediate traffic management solutions to alleviate congestion in the Suva–Nausori corridor, while also looking into long-term infrastructure enhancements, according to Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau. He stated that a joint committee comprising key enforcement and infrastructure agencies has been established to identify effective interventions aimed at reducing the peak-hour gridlock that affects thousands of commuters daily.
Ro Filipe noted that congestion is particularly acute during school terms, especially between 6 am and 8 am, when traffic jams are exacerbated by school drop-offs, work commutes, and public transportation halts along narrow road sections. To tackle these issues, the government plans to install designated bus stops to minimize bus-related disruptions on the roadway.
In addition to these short-term measures, the government is considering staggered start times and flexible working hours to distribute traffic flow more evenly throughout the morning rush. This initiative may involve adjusting schedules for civil servants and coordinating with schools on start times to relieve pressure on the roads.
For the longer term, officials are evaluating significant infrastructure developments, such as a proposed ferry service between Nausori and Suva. However, the realization of this ferry service would depend on the construction of new jetty facilities and supporting infrastructure. Feasibility studies are also being conducted for potential road upgrades, which include widening essential sections and enhancing feeder routes to provide alternative access points and decrease congestion on the main corridor.
Minister Tuisawau emphasized that these immediate and long-term strategies aim to improve traffic conditions, benefiting commuters and the wider community. The proactive approach taken by the government reflects a commitment to tackling transportation challenges in a sustainable manner.