The Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) trials in Nadi Town, launched by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), have sparked a variety of reactions among residents and commuters since their inception yesterday. The primary objective of these trials is to reduce traffic congestion by implementing new traffic flow designs that necessitate the demolition and reconstruction of certain structures.
As part of the trials, all traffic signals within the town have been temporarily disabled. Delivery driver Rajinesh Prasad from Danny’s Pte Limited voiced his concerns about delays he encountered due to the adjusted traffic patterns. He stated, “I have to deliver to a few places before coming to town, but due to the one-hour traffic, I couldn’t deliver on time. This delay has even affected my lunch break.”
On the other hand, local resident Penasio Bolekinaivalu acknowledged some improvements in traffic flow but made a case for widening the main street. He remarked, “I think FRA should clear all the car parks, pot plants, and palm trees on the main street to make the road wider.”
Rima Chand, who commutes from Sonasali to Nadi, highlighted the benefits of the two-way traffic system for drivers looking to save fuel, although she noted that traffic delays still persisted, sometimes taking an hour. In contrast, Janend Ram expressed a preference for the previous one-way system, arguing that it effectively reduced congestion in town.
The trial’s reconstruction phase is scheduled to take place from November 23 to December 8, 2024, followed by the trial of the new traffic layout from December 8, 2024, to March 8, 2025.
Key changes in the traffic system include:
– Queens Road (Main Street): Transitioning to single-lane two-way traffic.
– Andrews Road & Raniga Street: Reconfiguring to single-lane two-way traffic.
– Reversing the direction on Naitavo Lane for one-way traffic.
– Keeping Sahu Khan Lane, Clay Street, and Market Lane as single-lane one-way streets.
– Reversing the direction on Baker Lane & Vunavau Lane for optimized flow.
– Restricting heavy vehicles from the main street while allowing them on Andrews Street, Raniga Street, and Ratu Naevo Road.
The FRA is encouraging the local community to provide feedback on the trial in hopes of enhancing traffic flow and alleviating congestion in the long term.
Overall, while the initial adjustments to traffic management have encountered some challenges, they also present an opportunity for continuous improvement based on community input. The active involvement of residents in shaping these changes could lead to a more efficient and user-friendly transportation system in Nadi Town, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between authorities and citizens to create lasting solutions.
Leave a comment