BY LORETTA B MANELE
Westbound travellers in the capital will use now be using a new temporary bus stop behind the Honiara City Council (HCC) headquarters.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) last night, the temporary bus stop shared with the Mbokonavera/Skyline, Papaho, and Vavaya Ridge bus stops, has been divided and clearly marked with route destinations for the convenience of passengers.
MID said this is to provide a safe, organized space while construction begins on the main road carriageway from the Hot Bread Kitchen roundabout to the HCC roundabout landside section.
“The work is expected to take about three weeks, weather permitting, and includes asphalt removal, kerb installation, bus bay and parking construction, pavement improvements, and sealing,” said MID.
The ministry said contractors’ traffic controllers and the Road Transport Board task force will assist during the first few days to help bus drivers and traveling public to adapt to the new temporary route.
MID also outlined a traffic management plan which include the following directions;
– Buses heading to White River will use the HCC/Holy Cross junction to enter and exit.
– Buses can then cross via a temporary ramp in front of HCC to the seaside inner lane or use the Lekaboli bypass (Chiefs Haus to ITA backroad).
– Special access points will be available for shopping centers, offices, and customers along the landside strip (Magistrate Court to New Generation shop).
– The seaside section from Hot Bread Roundabout to Central Market will be reopened to traffic.
– All westbound vehicles will travel along the inner lane of the seaside section from the HCC Roundabout and merge into the landside lane after the Hot Bread Roundabout.
– Vehicles coming down from Mbokonavera, Skyline, Papaho, and Vavaya Ridge heading to Point Cruz, Lengakiki, or further west are encouraged to use the Lekaboli bypass to reduce congestion.
MID also said work zones will be barricaded with proper signage, warnings, and safety measures and pedestrian walkways and crossings will be provided where possible.
Meanwhile, the eastbound bus stop as noted, will remain operational at the MID Works compound and the bus stop in front of Central Market will remain closed and fenced until roadwork along Mendana Avenue reaches completion.
MID said these upgrades are the final phase of the road component of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), funded by the Solomon Islands Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with completion expected in early August.
“Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve Honiara’s road infrastructure for better traffic flow, safety, and climate resilience,” said MID.
Photo credit: MID
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