Both traffic lanes along the seaside carriageway between the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout and Hot Bread Roundabout reopened today, marking another milestone in the ongoing Mendana Avenue upgrade.
The inner lane on the landside section, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), has also reopened to westbound traffic.
The outer lane, on the other hand, remains closed to allow the contractor to complete concreting works for roadside features, including new bus bays and parking areas.
“Once the concrete reaches the required curing strength, the road will progressively reopen to two-way traffic as construction moves eastward from the Hot Bread Roundabout,” a statement from the LMC Project said.
“Under the revised traffic arrangements, westbound vehicles will use the inner lane only, with safety cones and traffic control devices in place to guide motorists through the work zone
“Parking remains prohibited within the construction area.
“However, loading and unloading will be permitted in sections of the outer lane where construction activities are not underway.”
The statement said the ITA Junction remains closed to traffic.
“Motorists travelling from Vavae Ridge are advised to use the Hot Bread Junction, where the newly concrete-paved roundabout also reopened on 4 August 2026.
“Eastbound vehicles will continue using the seaside carriageway under a two-way traffic arrangement.
“The temporary eastbound bus terminal will remain at the MID Works Compound, while the westbound bus terminal will continue operating behind the Honiara City Council Building until further notice or completion of the road works.
“With favourable weather conditions, roadside works are expected to be completed by the end of August 2026, while associated works, including the installation of road signs and markings, will continue into September 2026.
“Pedestrian safety remains a priority throughout the construction period.
“Designated walkways and crossing points have been provided at selected locations, and the public is encouraged to use the pedestrian underpass and designated crossings at all times.”
The statement said Traffic Controllers engaged by the contractor, together with officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Road Transport Board (RTB), will remain on site to assist road users and maintain safe traffic flow.
“Access to businesses within the construction zone will continue to be maintained wherever practicable and managed according to site conditions to minimise disruption to business operators and customers.”
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mike Qaqara, thanked the public for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction period.
“The reopening of this section is another important step towards completing the Mendana Avenue upgrade,” Qaqara said.
“While some work remains, we are pleased to restore access for motorists and improve traffic flow along one of Honiara’s busiest corridors,” he added.
“We ask everyone to continue exercising patience, follow the directions of Traffic Controllers and observe all traffic signs as we work to safely complete the remaining sections of the project.”
Qaqara also acknowledged the cooperation of businesses, commuters and residents affected by the construction works, saying their understanding had contributed to the successful delivery of the project.
MID thanked motorists, pedestrians, business owners and the wider public for their continued patience and cooperation as construction progresses.
Road users are reminded to exercise caution, obey traffic signs and follow the instructions of Traffic Controllers when travelling through the work area.
The Mendana Avenue upgrade is part of the LMC Project, which aims to improve Honiara’s road network by delivering safer, more efficient and climate-resilient transport infrastructure.
The project is being delivered by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.
