Noro Road Upgrades Near Completion, Promising Safer Travel for Western Province

The Noro road upgrades in Western Province—funded by the World Bank through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2)—are now nearing completion, with 94 percent of the physical works already delivered.

Implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the project is on track to be completed by the end of January 2026, promising safer, smoother, and climate-resilient transport infrastructure for communities in and around Noro.

Only a small portion of work remains, including the installation of steel beam guardrails and road signage at key locations. These final safety components are expected to further enhance protection for motorists and pedestrians. Close-out activities are in progress, with MID teams conducting weekly inspections, tracking defect rectification, and finalising required documentation.

All works carried over from November were completed in early December, including the double bituminous surface treatment on N15 Ferguson Road and associated drainage improvements.

Significant progress has also been made on guardrail installation along the Noro Highway, Customs Road, Ports Exit, Mobil Road, and Kitano Road. Road signage works have advanced along the Noro Highway, involving foundation construction, signpost installation, panel mounting, alignment checks, and final finishing. Supervision engineers continue to closely monitor all works to ensure compliance with approved standards.

Traffic safety measures remain in place to safeguard workers and road users during ongoing activities.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Allan Lilia, welcomed the progress, noting the importance of the upgrades for regional connectivity.

“The Noro Roads Improvement work is entering its final stage, marking a key milestone for transport connectivity and road safety in Western Province.

“We are pleased with the steady progress and the strong emphasis on quality, safety, and safeguards throughout implementation. Once completed, these roads will greatly improve access for communities, businesses, and essential services in and around Noro.”

Beyond the Noro upgrades, SIRAP2 is delivering major infrastructure improvements across the country. These include the construction of four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports, enhancements to Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, air navigation system investments in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, regional airport maintenance, rehabilitation of 21 km of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 km of North Road between the Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.

The nearing completion of the Noro road works marks another significant step in improving national transport networks and strengthening sustainable economic development in Solomon Islands.