Progressing on Mendana Avenue Asphalt Works Despite Weather Challenges

Asphalt surfacing works on the seaside section of Mendana Avenue from Heritage Park Hotel to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) intersection are now ongoing under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), although recent unfavourable weather conditions have impacted targeted transfer dates to other road sections.

As of this week, works are progressing steadily along this section of the road, although, whilst the main road carriageway will largely be complete, the contractor will still have to finish off some areas of roadside footpaths, parking and bus bays.

Given the scale and complexity of the project, construction is being carried out in four stages across eight sections. Works will proceed sequentially, alternating between the seaside and landside carriageways to ensure continuity and efficiency.

The targeted work schedule and sequencing continue to be dependent on weather conditions, and road users are encouraged to check the government portal https://solomons.gov.sb/articles/ and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Facebook page for traffic advisories which provide updates on the timing and changes to traffic conditions.

Stage 2 will extend from the SIPA Intersection to the Hot Bread Kitchen Roundabout. Stage 3 will continue from the Hot Bread Kitchen Roundabout to the Honiara Central Market, while Stage 4 will cover the section from the Central Market to the Honiara City Council Roundabout.

Traffic management measures are in place throughout the construction period. The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is working closely with nearby businesses to minimise disruptions and maintain access wherever possible.

Road users should expect increased traffic congestion during construction and are advised to plan their travel accordingly. Hibiscus Avenue remains accessible and may be used as an alternative route where necessary.

In the interest of public safety, drivers are urged to maintain low speeds, observe all traffic signage, and follow directions from traffic controllers at all times. Pedestrians are also advised to use designated crossing points within work zones, adhere to safety signage, and keep a safe distance from construction areas.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Allan Lilia, acknowledged the progress of the works and thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.

“We are pleased to see the surfacing works now underway on Mendana Avenue, which is a critical road corridor within Honiara. Despite weather challenges, the project is progressing well. We sincerely thank the public, road users, and businesses for their continued understanding and cooperation during this period,” said Mr Lilia.

Within Honiara, the LMCP road improvement works from the Central Business District to the western city boundary at White River Bridge are expected to be substantially completed by mid-2026, with only minor finishing works remaining. These include the installation of street lighting, traffic signs, and road markings.

This project is a collaborative undertaking by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government. For the road component, it includes upgrading the Tandai Highway to Mendana Avenue Road from a two-lane to a four-lane carriageway (4.8 km) and the existing two-lane road from Henderson to Mberande over 31.7 km (East Guadalcanal Highway).

A large XCMG asphalt paver laying a fresh, smooth layer of hot-mix asphalt along one of Honiara’s business district. The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is working closely with nearby businesses to minimise disruptions and maintain access wherever possible.

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