Construction of key bridges in Malaita Province is advancing steadily under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
Supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), these transformative investments are designed to enhance transport connectivity and strengthen climate resilience and safety across the region.
The bridges – Su’u Harbour and Bira on the South Road, and Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 on the North Road are being built using the cutting-edge InQuik modular bridge system, marking a significant leap forward in infrastructure delivery.
The modular bridges enable faster, safer, and more durable construction, with a longer design life of 100 years for key structure elements.
Superstructure components are prefabricated in a quality-controlled factory in Brisbane, Australia, minimizing on-site work and enhancing efficiency. This approach is particularly well-suited to the Solomon Islands’ logistical and climatic challenges.
For Su’u Harbour Bridge, final assembly of the deck panels were completed on September 3, 2025. Components were shipped on September 12, 2025 and are expected to arrive in Honiara on September 27, 2025.
For Bira Bridge, fabrication is complete, and all deck panels are ready for dispatch on September 26, 2025. The full shipment is expected to arrive at Honiara by October 8, 2025.
Fabrication for Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges begins this week and will be completed by October 20, 2025.
Shipment is planned for October 26, 2025, arrival in Honiara in early November 2025.
Moreover, construction is progressing well across all bridge sites.
Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges have completed abutment works, including gabions, Bluemont bags, and concrete placement. Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges have finished abutment and wingwall construction.
Permanent Secretary of MID, Allan Lilia, welcomed the progress.
“The delivery of these bridges is a milestone in improving accessibility, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience against climate impacts,” Lilia said.
“MID is proud to work with our partners to ensure these investments continue serving our people for generations to come,” he added.
In addition to these bridges, SIRAP2 is also advancing major infrastructure upgrades nationwide, including Noro roads, Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, Honiara and Munda Airports, air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu, regional airport maintenance, rehabilitation of 21 km of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 km of North Road between Auki–Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.