Budget allocates $20m to reduce congestion on major roads

Motorists and commuters can expect shorter travel times and improved traffic flow under the 2026-2027 National Budget, with the Government allocating $20 million to ease congestion on some of Fiji's busiest roads.

The funding includes $15.2 million to widen Ratu Dovi Road, construct the Extension Street Bypass, and upgrade Ratu Sukuna Road. A further $4.6 million has been allocated for feasibility and design studies for future road widening projects along the Delainavesi–Veisari corridor, Veikoba–Laqere corridor, Princess Road, and the Naisoso–Navutu section of the Nadi–Lautoka corridor.

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the investment would improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and strengthen Fiji's transport network.

The road projects form part of the Government's $820.8 million allocation to the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport to improve infrastructure, public utilities and national assets.

"We will continue to invest in the development and maintenance of infrastructure, public utilities and national assets to enhance the quality and resilience of essential services, improve connectivity and facilitate greater access to markets and economic opportunities," Mr Immanuel said.

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has been allocated $369.8 million to maintain roads and deliver major infrastructure projects nationwide.

The allocation includes $118.2 million for road maintenance, $76.6 million for road renewals, replacement and resealing, $35 million for bridge renewals and crossing replacements, $25.8 million to seal and upgrade community and rural roads, and $14.9 million to construct new bus shelters and footpaths along Kings and Queens roads.

The Budget also provides $3.2 million to maintain key jetties at Ellington, Savusavu, Taveuni and Rabi, while preparatory work begins on the Vunikura Jetty. An inter-island jetty feasibility study will also be undertaken to identify future locations and strengthen maritime connectivity.

Civil works are expected to begin this financial year on the replacement of the Lami, Medraukutu, Sabeto and Viseisei bridges, supported by $41.5 million in funding through grants and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

Mr Immanuel said the new bridges would feature wider spans, greater load-bearing capacity and climate-resilient designs to improve safety and withstand future natural disasters.

The Government will also continue investing in rural connectivity. In partnership with the Chinese Government, about 82 kilometres of rural roads will be upgraded and 22 bridges constructed along the Nabouwalu, Wailevu West Coast and Natewa West road corridors.

The projects are expected to benefit 61 villages and 15 schools, improving access to markets, health services and education while supporting rural economic development.

The Government has also secured approximately $6.5 million in grant funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to undertake detailed feasibility studies for priority rural road projects following a nationwide assessment.