Nine streets in Suva Central will undergo major upgrade changes by the Fiji Roads Authority to improve traffic movements throughout the city.

The FRA says this will also address continual increase in traffic numbers, parking demands and the safety of pedestrians.

General Manager Network Operations and Maintenance, Aram Goes says these streets will soon have its traffic patterns changed with some expected to have intersections while others will have its physical medians adjusted, added and removed.

“Renwick road the new layout will be for two lanes through from Central Street, turning that into one way, so no more left out of Ellery street into Pratt. Ellery street intersection will only be the right turn, the left turn will be closed. Central Street the new layout will be four traffic lanes, one Victoria parade bound since we’re reversing that flow around the block, two will go through from Central street onto Renwick and there will be a third lane, one lane turning right in front of McDonalds. So there will be traffic islands to cater for all of that. Thomson street all three traffic lanes will be one way so we will be breaking through the closed median on Thomson street to allow a third lane to go passed McDonalds.”

Goes says for Stinson Parade, an additional lane will be added at the Central Street intersection.

Central street bound lane from Edward Street will be discontinued to allow for additional lanes to Harris Road.

“Edward Street we are reversing the traffic flows around there between E3wdard and Central. So entry will be from Stinson Parade. Scott Street all three traffic lanes will be as they are at the moment but we will break through one of the median islands to allow you to go through the front of the Westpac building from the Suva Post office.”

However, Usher Street will be closed to all traffic. FRA says this is an agreement with the Suva City Council that the road remains a road but will be used as a car park for SCC’s market and to be kept clear for emergency access.

FRA Chief Executive, Jonathan Moore is hopeful this will bring positive results.

” It’s a first step and I actually think the Suva Center right now is a bit chaotic with the volume of traffic so this is the first step to try and relieve the pressure.”

The Authority is carrying out these changes one street at a time and it’s expected to be completed within the next three months.