Four critical bridges along the Queens Road corridor will be replaced under a $175 million infrastructure programme expected to benefit more than half a million Fijians.
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) today launched the Four Critical Bridges Replacement Programme (CBRP) and signed contracts for the replacement of the Lami, Medraukutu, Viseisei and Sabeto bridges.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 62 per cent of Fiji’s population.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the programme represented a major investment in improving the safety, reliability and resilience of Fiji’s transport network.
“The new bridges will be constructed to modern engineering and climate-resilient standards, incorporating improved flood clearances, structural and seismic protection, enhanced safety features and dedicated pedestrian facilities,” Mr Tuisawau said.
“These improvements will help ensure safer crossings and more reliable transport connections, particularly during adverse weather conditions.”
The civil works contracts have been awarded to a joint venture between China Railway First Group Co. Ltd. and China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group Co. Ltd.
The contracts are divided into two packages, with approximately $90 million allocated for the Lami and Medraukutu bridges under Package A.
Package B, covering the Viseisei and Sabeto bridges, is valued at approximately $85 million.
Mr Tuisawau acknowledged the financial and technical support provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank in advancing the programme.
He said preliminary work had been undertaken through the ADB-supported Transport Infrastructure Investment Sector Project, which included engineering investigations, detailed designs and technical preparations.
The Minister said the replacement bridges would strengthen transport connections and improve infrastructure resilience against extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
“This is more than an investment in bridges. It is an investment in safer journeys, stronger communities, economic opportunities and a transport network that can better withstand the challenges of a changing climate,” Mr Tuisawau said.
