The Lano road project in Savai’i is nearing completion, with the Government of Samoa saying the new crossing will improve safety for motorists during periods of heavy rain and flooding.
In an update released on Thursday, the Government said the project at Lano in Fa’asaleleaga No. 5 was undertaken in response to longstanding problems experienced by people travelling through the area during bad weather.
The Lano crossing has previously been vulnerable to flash flooding, creating dangerous conditions for motorists and at times disrupting travel along Savai’i’s North Coast Road.
The Government referred to a previous incident in which a bus carrying passengers was swept from the crossing during severe flooding.
Records for the project show the existing Lano Ford is being replaced with a multi-cell box culvert as part of the Samoa Climate Resilient Transport Project, implemented by the Land Transport Authority with World Bank financing. The works include a new six-cell crossing, upgraded approach roads, drainage, flood protection, guardrails and a pedestrian footpath.
The project is intended to strengthen the resilience of the North Coast Road, which provides an important connection between Salelologa and communities in northern Savai’i.
Flooding at Lano has continued to cause problems in recent years. In June 2023, the Lano Ford was among several crossings in Savai’i declared unsafe following heavy rain and road damage.
Construction has continued through 2026, with contractor Apia Lua Ltd carrying out the works for the Land Transport Authority. An August project update reported progress on the crossing structure, approach roads, earthworks and gabion protection.
The Government said the project is now close to completion and is expected to open for public use soon, providing a safer route for residents, visitors and tourists travelling through the area.
The Land Transport Authority also briefed the Government on the progress of construction during a visit to the site.
This story is based on information released by the Government of Samoa, with additional project information from the Land Transport Authority and published project records.
