Work on the Stinson Parade Bridge in Suva is expected to begin by the end of this year.

Fiji Roads Authority Chief Executive Neil Cook has confirmed the plans are being drawn up right now, thanks to funding from the Chinese government.

He adds the new bridge is also going to be more user friendly.

“We are going to be re-aligning the bridge so it better lines up with new construction work on Harris Road a year ago. That requires the demolition of a currently disused Fiji Ports building. So we have to go through a purchase process. All this is underway so we expect construction to start – probably towards the end of this year.”

Cook has revealed the Stinson Parade Bridge was initially intended to stay closed for at least five years – because there was a detour available.

In this time, the focus would have been on more critical bridges which are the only link for people outside of urban areas.

The bridge was closed in October 2012.