NEED FOR HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN NADI TOWN

8^th July 2019

A holistic approach is needed to address the challenges faced by traffic congestion in Nadi Town and simply reverting traffic to two way traffic will not address the previous congestion.

These were the comments made by FRA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Moore.

The FRA met with the representatives of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the Nadi Town Council to discuss the current traffic flow in the Nadi CBD.

Concerns were raised on the one way traffic system, lack of parking spaces available in Nadi’s CBD and how it added to traffic congestion and is hindering some businesses.

Mr Moore said that the current one-way approach was the optimal solution from a Transportation Engineering perspective.

He went on to say that if the one way system, as is now being configured, was found to not be an overall ‘on balance’ improvement when all stakeholders’ views were considered then they will look into alternatives.

“There will not be only one deciding factor in the decision as there are multiple interested parties, and there could be other alternatives (not simply a reversion to two-way) if the current one-way system is shown not to work.”

He said, reverting to two-way traffic as before does not solve the previous congestion problems that caused so many complaints from all parties for so many years and they would need to look for alternatives and find a solution that provides the right balance to all the stakeholders.

“We appreciate that the pedestrian crossing is currently adding to the traffic congestion and we are currently installing the traffic lights which is aimed at providing an efficient traffic flow. We will be installing lights at the following locations:

• Raniga Street and Market Road intersection
• Market Road and Post Office intersection
• Market Road and Queens Road intersection
• Pedestrian crossing at ANZ bank
• Pedestrian crossing at new FNPF building

This is anticipated to be completed by the end of August.

Mr Moore also reiterated previous comments that lack of parking was a major contributing factor, even though the one-way system created 76 additional parking space, this still was not enough, and a large (possible multi-storey car park) was needed for Nadi.

The Nadi Town Council confirmed that it is putting plans in place to create more parking space. Also, the NCCI will be carrying out a comprehensive survey of all users of the Nadi Main Street- members of the public, businesses, and public services among others on the new traffic system.

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