A damaged section of the Queens Highway near Semo Village is being rebuilt to provide a safer and stronger crossing.

The upgrade is expected to improve travel for communities and motorists who rely on the busy road.

The upgrade of the damaged section of the Queens Highway near Semo Village in Sigatoka is progressing, with work now focused on building a stronger crossing that can withstand heavy rain and future traffic.

Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, highlighted that the old culvert has been removed and the site has undergone major earthworks and geotechnical investigations to prepare for the new structure.

“The initial deteriorated ARMCO culvert, which had reached the end of its service life and posed a risk to the long-term integrity of the roadway, has been completely removed” Ro Filipe highlighted.

The new concrete box culvert units have already been pre-cast and are being transported to the site, while piling and foundation work continues.

The remaining piling is dependent on the relocation of a power line in the project area.

Ro Filipe said the relocation is being worked on by Energy Fiji Limited and the Fiji Roads Authority before the remaining construction can proceed.

“The remaining piling works are currently dependent on the relocation of an existing Energy Fiji Limited power line that passes through the project area” he said.

Once that work is completed, the remaining construction will include installing the culvert, restoring the road surface and improving drainage.

The Fiji Roads Authority expects the major civil works to take another three to four months, subject to weather and the power-line relocation.
He added that the completed crossing is expected to provide a more reliable route for those travelling through the area.

“Upon completion, the upgraded crossing will provide a stronger, more resilient and climate-adapted infrastructure solution and also reduce future failures during periods of heavy rainfall” he added.

The full project is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, giving motorists and surrounding communities a stronger crossing and reducing the risk of another major failure during heavy rain.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa