Have you ever seen a road turn into a bridge? The Erima Flyover in Port Moresby is a sight to behold. This impressive structure wasn’t always there, and it’s a reminder of Papua New Guinea’s growth and development.
Erima used to be just another dusty suburb of the city, with a couple of tracks weaving their way through the old Hugo Sawmill, linking the shopping center to the settlements near the Waigani Golf Course. Traffic was congested, especially along Sir Hubert Murray Highway.
The flyover bridge, built by Hawkins Constructions, was conceived as a way to ease the traffic congestion. It wasn’t just any bridge though; it’s a unique structure, designed to free up traffic flow and avoid impeding existing infrastructure.
Though the flyover bridge was initially intended to enhance connectivity and ease traffic, it attracted criticism due to its high cost. Some even felt the bridge was built to cater to VIPS during events like the 2018 APEC Summit.
The debate over the flyover’s purpose is ongoing, but one thing’s for sure, it’s a landmark that’s shaped Erima and Port Moresby in many ways. The bridge may be an engineering marvel, but the impact it has had on the lives of those who call Erima home is what makes it truly captivating.