Noro Roads Improvement nears completion
The Noro Roads Improvement, funded by the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, has reached 94 percent physical completion.
The work is on track to deliver safer, more reliable, and climate-resilient road infrastructure for communities in Western Province by the end of January 2026.
The remaining works include the installation of steel beam guardrails and the erection of road signage at designated locations, both of which are expected to enhance road safety.
Close-out activities are also underway. Weekly monitoring of punch-list defect rectification continues, alongside systematic tracking of documentation required for work completion.
All works carried over from the previous month were completed at the beginning of December, including the N15 Ferguson Road double bituminous surface treatment and associated drainage construction.
Installation of steel beam guardrails has progressed along the Noro Highway, Customs Road, Ports Exit, Mobil Road, and Kitano Road. Installation of road signage has also progressed along the Noro Highway, including constructing foundation footings, erecting signposts, mounting sign panels, conducting alignment and leveling checks, and completing final bolting and finishing works. Supervision Engineers have ensured all works are executed in accordance with approved designs and specifications.
Traffic management measures remain in place to ensure safe operations for both workers and road users.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Allan Lilia, stated: “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.”
In addition to the Noro Roads improvement, SIRAP2 is also supporting construction of four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kms of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kms of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
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SIRAP2 statement