BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has announced that construction works along the seaside section between Coral Sea and IBS Hotel has commenced.

MID made the announcement on Monday, August 4, 2025, following the expected completion of roadworks along the landside section between the same area by the end of this week.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 4, 2025, MID Deputy Secretary Mike Qaqara said the undertaking forms part of the Town Ground to White River/Tandai Highway upgrade under the government’s flagship Land and Maritime Connectivity Project.

He said as the works progress, the public and road users are advised to take note of several key traffic management measures which will be implemented for safety and access control.

• A temporary roundabout will be set up at the St. John Road junction, while the existing temporary roundabout in front of Coral Sea will remain in place.
• Barriers will be installed along the IBS side, with traffic controllers stationed to assist pedestrians and commuters accessing Monarch, Melanesian House, CAUSE office, adjacent warehouses and Coral Sea.
• Entrance from Coral Sea up to CAUSE office will be available via the eastside of the construction zone, depending on actual site conditions. Exit over the work area will also be managed accordingly.
• Additional barriers and traffic controllers will be stationed at the Coral Sea gate, if necessary, to regulate traffic and ensure safety.
• The footpath between Coral Sea and the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC) will remain open, and a pedestrian accessway will be made available from Coral Sea toward IBS.
• Driveways along the corridor will remain open, however they will be temporarily closed during trenching, curbing, and concrete pavement works.
• The newly paved road from Coral Sea to SMI will remain closed to general traffic, but will continue to be accessible for residents of NZHC and SMI. This stretch will only be opened to the public once works at the Town Ground roundabout are completed.
• Barriers and traffic controllers will also be stationed at the SMI/USP side to regulate movement during the construction phase.

The statement said that works may temporarily halt before or during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting, depending on security or event-related requirements.

The public is kindly advised to cooperate with traffic controllers and observe all signs and barriers in place.

MID thanks the public for their patience and support as it continues to improve vital road infrastructure in the capital.

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