By Vanessa Knight – EM TV, Port Moresby
With the continuous influx of motor vehicles imported into Port Moresby each week, the National Capital District Commission is faced with an ongoing challenge to ensure city roads can meet road user demand, for ease of access.
One solution to this issue is the construction of the country’s first ever overpass, currently being erected over the Hubert Murray Highway.
The Kookaburra Bridge itself has now reached completion, while road works surrounding the area is estimated to be 90 per cent complete.
City Manager, Leslie Alu, said despite preliminary delays, the overpass is well within the construction timeframe, and is expected to be officially opened on the 31st of May.
Construction on the four-lane overpass by main contractor Hawkins PNG LTD, with the help of several sub-contractors, began in January last year.
Mr Alu explained that once opened, the bridge will be restricted to vehicles only as there are no planned footpaths for resident usage.
Despite this restriction, the City Manager revealed that city residents will have the opportunity to walk on the bridge on the day of its opening next month, before being closed off for vehicles only.
With an ever growing incursion of imported second-hand vehicles arriving from overseas, the City Hall faces the challenge of coming up with possible solutions to allow ease of access for the everyday road user.
Mr Alu says in a bid to address the city’s chronic traffic congestion, there are plans to erect two more flyovers, one of which will be erected along the Waigani traffic light area.
In addition to providing a solution for local motorists, these developments will go a long way in helping Port Moresby in its preparation to host two important upcoming international events, which will boost the city’s global ranking.
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