Four new bridges are helping communities across Papua New Guinea stay connected to schools, health centers, markets and essential services all year round.
Delivered through the partnership between the Australian Government and PNG’s Department of Works and Highways, the new bridges are strengthening key transport links across Madang, New Ireland, West Sepik and West New Britain provinces.
Mugil Bridge in Madang province is making a difference for more than 400,000 people across three districts. It connects Madang, Sumkar and Bogia districts along the Coastal Highway, a busy road used every day by families, farmers and small business owners.
This new bridge replaced an old link that had been weakened by repeated flooding and erosion of the riverbank. When the old crossing was damaged by storms, it cut people off from the goods and services they depend on. The new bridge is built to stand strong during heavy rain and floods and keep the Coastal Highway open in bad weather.
Alongside Mugil, new bridges were also completed at Malom in New Ireland province, Bapa in West Sepik province and Silali in West New Britain province.
Together, the four bridges serve communities spread across PNG, from the mainland to the islands and restore reliable access to the roads they rely on every day.
Secretary for Works and Highways, Gibson Holemba said the bridges would make travel safer and easier for communities across rural Papua New Guinea.
“We are pleased to see these bridges completed and ready for public use. They restore safe access for communities who rely on these routes every day,” Secretary Holemba said.
“These crossings make it easier for people to reach schools, health services and markets. They also help our teams maintain and manage the road network more effectively.”
Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Dr Cate Rogers said the bridges show Australia and Papua New Guinea’s shared commitment to building better roads and crossings for all.
“Australia is proud to work with Papua New Guinea to deliver practical, climate resilient infrastructure like these bridges,” Dr Rogers said.
“For women, children and families across Papua New Guinea, reliable roads and crossings make a real difference in daily life. They help people stay connected, support local business and improve access to essential services.”
Australia continues to partner with the Department of Works and Highways to build safe, strong and reliable roads and bridges across PNG. When communities stay connected, everyone benefits.
