Traffic woes set to ease as new Mataniko Bridge nears completion

The widened version of Honiara’s Mataniko Bridge is set to open in two weeks, the Ministry of Infrastructure revealed yesterday.

The structure, being built through the backing of the Japanese Government, is set to open on November 15, providing two lanes on either side both east and west.

Although traffic eased somewhat in the capital because of frantic filling of the endless stream of potholes along Kukum Highway and Mendana Avenue this week ahead of the President of Taiwan’s visit, it is hoped the opening of the new bridge will allow traffic to flow much smoother in and out of central Honiara.

However traffic issues are set to continue in the Chinatown area, with the Ministry revealing the Chinatown bridge will be demolished with work set to begin on a new two-lane bridge on November 16.

Roadworks east of the bridge are set to continue well into next year, as the road up to Kukum and further east is regraded and smoothed out.

SIBC