Semo temporary bypass road opens to traffic

The Queens Highway temporary bypass at Semo Village near Nadi opened to traffic at midnight last night, easing congestion and significantly reducing travel times.

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lawrence Kumar said the opening was timely.

“We have a lot of businesses that have expressed concerns about downtime in terms of the supply of goods,” Mr Kumar said.

“Deliveries were affected because it was taking an additional 30 to 45 minutes to travel through the Naidiri detour.

“We thank the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for stepping in promptly. The bypass is now open to traffic while keeping the safety of road users and the general public in mind,” he said.

The FRA also acknowledged nearby communities, particularly Semo and Nalele villages, for their cooperation during the construction work.

Semo landowners immediately granted permission for works to begin, while Nalele villagers assisted with traffic management.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution and follow road safety signs when travelling through the area.

The FRA said the failure at the Semo crossing highlighted broader challenges linked to Fiji’s ageing road infrastructure.

Similar structures along the Nadi–Sigatoka corridor have already been replaced, and the authority said upgrading and replacing critical infrastructure remains a priority under its strategic plan.

A Government statement this morning read: "Government wishes to thank the public for their patience and the local communities of Semo and Nalele, as well as authorities whose cooperation and support were critical to the rapid delivery of the project.

"Motorists are advised to drive with caution and follow all safety signage while using the new route. The emergency bypass addresses safety and accessibility issues on one of Fiji’s key transport corridors."