Mixed reactions to Nadi Town's traffic trials

The Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) trials in Nadi Town, initiated by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) yesterday, have received mixed responses from residents and commuters.

The trials aim to alleviate traffic congestion through redesigned traffic flow layouts, requiring the demolition and reconstruction of existing structures.

During the trial, all traffic signals in the town area have been temporarily switched off.

Delivery driver Rajinesh Prasad from Danny's Pte Limited expressed frustration over delays caused by the changes.

"I have to deliver to a few places before coming to town, but due to the onehour traffic, I couldn't deliver on time. This delay has even affected my lunch break," he said.

Meanwhile, local resident Penasio Bolekinaivalu observed improvements in traffic flow but suggested widening the main street.

"I think FRA should clear all the car parks, pot plants, and palm trees on the main street to make the road wider," he said.

For Rima Chand, who commutes from Sonasali to Nadi, the two-way traffic system offers advantages.

"It will save fuel for drivers, but the downside is the long traffic, which took an hour on the road," she said.

Conversely, Janend Ram prefers the existing one-way system.

"One-way traffic reduces congestion in town," he said.

The reconstruction phase runs from November 23 to December 8, 2024, followed by the trial of the new layout from December 8, 2024 to March 8, 2025.

Key changes include:

■ Queens Road (Main Street): Converted to singlelane two-way traffic.

■ Andrews Road & Raniga Street: Reconfigured for single- lane two-way traffic.

■ Naitavo Lane: Direction reversed for one-way traffic.

■ Sahu Khan Lane, Clay Street, Market Lane: Retain single-lane one-way traffic.

■ Baker Lane & Vunavau Lane: Direction reversed for optimised flow.

■ Heavy vehicles: Restricted from the main street but permitted on Andrews Street, Raniga Street, and Ratu Naevo Road.

The FRA has urged residents to provide feedback on the trial to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the long term.

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj