THE Nabouwalu Rd remains closed as its condition has not changed over the week, says Fiji Roads Authority chief executive Neil Cook.
The road closed early this week following a landslide because of the adverse weather conditions. Mr Cook said the road was expected to open today.
"The situation remains unchanged with Nabouwalu Rd remain closed. The combined resources of Blacktop and China Railway First Group are working together with FRA to get the road open as quickly as possible," he said. "The immediate need is to clear debris on the road and to repair washouts so that vehicles can get through. Once we have access we will commence the process of assessing the needs for permanent reinstatement."
Mr Cook said the closure of the road spoke of the importance of upgrading the Nabouwalu/Dreketi road.
"The upgrade is due to commence very soon and is so important for the North.
"This $200million project will make this key link much more resilient to the type of weather we have experienced over the past week. This project will be the largest single project on FRA's program for the next few years. Roads that are in poor condition because they have been neglected for years will respond to extended heavy rain by potholing — especially with heavy vehicles travelling over them."
Mr Cook said the FRA's program of maintenance and large scale reconstruction would improve the network's condition which would result in much fewer potholes appearing after heavy rain.
"This year we will be reconstructing around 50 kilometres of sealed road (10km in the North) and resealing around 110km (18km in the North)."