The Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) trials in Nadi Town, launched by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), have sparked mixed reactions among residents and commuters. The initiative intends to reduce traffic congestion by implementing new traffic flow designs, which necessitate the demolition and reconstruction of existing structures. As part of the trial, all traffic signals in the town have been temporarily disabled.
Local delivery driver Rajinesh Prasad from Danny’s Pte Limited voiced his frustrations, stating that the changes have caused significant delays, impacting his delivery schedule and lunch break due to one-hour traffic jams. On the other hand, local resident Penasio Bolekinaivalu noted some improvements in traffic flow, but recommended that the main street be widened to further enhance the situation. He suggested removing car parks, pot plants, and palm trees from the area to create more space.
Commuter Rima Chand, who travels from Sonasali to Nadi, shared her perspective that the two-way traffic system could be beneficial in terms of fuel savings, despite the downside of extended travel times. In contrast, Janend Ram expressed his preference for the previous one-way system, arguing that it effectively reduced congestion in town.
The restructuring phase is set to take place from November 23 to December 8, 2024, followed by a trial of the new layout from December 8, 2024, to March 8, 2025. Notable changes include:
– Queens Road (Main Street) will be converted to a single-lane two-way traffic.
– Andrews Road and Raniga Street will be reconfigured for single-lane two-way traffic.
– Naitavo Lane will reverse its direction to one-way traffic.
– Sahu Khan Lane, Clay Street, and Market Lane will continue as single-lane one-way streets.
– Baker Lane and Vunavau Lane will also have their directions reversed for optimized traffic flow.
– Heavy vehicles will be limited from the main street but allowed on Andrews Street, Raniga Street, and Ratu Naevo Road.
The FRA has encouraged residents to share their feedback on the trials to help enhance traffic conditions and alleviate congestion in the future.
As these changes unfold, it is crucial for the community to engage with the FRA, providing insights that may lead to further improvements. This trial represents a proactive step towards modernizing traffic management in Nadi, with potential long-term benefits for all residents and commuters.
In summary, while the LATM trials have faced some challenges and varied responses, they hold the promise of transforming traffic flow in Nadi Town for the better. With ongoing feedback and adjustments, the initiative could significantly enhance the daily travel experience for everyone involved.
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