A new World Bank project to rehabilitate four bridges on the Queens Highway is expected to be completed by 2031.

The World Bank states the $464 million dollar project will benefit more than half a million people or about 62 percent of the country’s total population.

The Fiji Critical Bridges Resilience Project, is jointly financed by the Government of Fiji , the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

“Enhancing the resilience of our infrastructure is important for boosting economic growth, increasing communities’ access to employment opportunities – especially for women, and supporting sectors such as tourism, agriculture, commerce, health, education and social protection,” said Prof Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.

The bridges are all located along the main Queens Road from Suva to Lautoka and include Medraukutu, Lami, Viseisei, and Sabeto Bridges and their approach roads.

“We are proud to partner with the Government of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank on this essential work. This is an important and timely initiative that will play a transformative role in strengthening Fiji’s infrastructure while ensuring the connectivity, safety, and well-being of communities,” said Stefano Mocci, World Bank Group Country Manager for Fiji.

The project will raise bridge heights and make use of seismic-resilient ground improvement techniques to ensure the works can withstand severe climatic and geological events.