Movement for as many as 200 people in Tabarua, Nasau, Nadi, have been affected after the Nasau Bridge 2 was closed because of an abutment and deck collapse.
Ramendra Nath, a resident, said commuting had now become a big hassle because of the damaged bridge.
“We now have to take a route that not only takes longer to reach our destination but is also not in good condition,” he said.
Mr Nath said those affected included workers and students.
“Previously it used to take us around 20 minutes to reach the Nadi Back Rd, exiting through the Nasau junction, however, now it takes about an hour, as we have to travel through a hilly road, passing through the Mulomulo Community Post and finally exiting through the Nausori Highlands road junction.
“We are requesting the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to fix the bridge at the earliest as a lot of residents are now worried as their work life is getting affected.”
He said the bridge collapsed after the heavy rain on Sunday night.
In a statement, the FRA said emergency repair works were being arranged and it would take a month to fix the bridge.
