🇹🇴 Fanga'uta Lagoon Bridge Ground Breaking Ceremony led by His Majesty King Tupou VI at Loutōkaiano

In the Gracious Presence of His Majesty King Tupou VI

Fanga'uta Lagoon Bridge & Approach Road Ground Breaking Ceremony: Transport Project Development Facility

Asian Development Bank Sustainable Economic Corridors and Urban Resilience Project
https://www.adb.org/projects/53045-00...

720-metre-long bridge
2.1 kilometres of approach roads
ancillary buildings
drainage and lighting

The new 720-metre-long bridge, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, will connect Nukuʻalofa to the southeastern side of Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island.

The contract involves constructing a two-lane bridge across the lagoon, 2.1 kilometres of access roading north and south, drainage and lighting.

Work is estimated to take three and a half years, and once it is complete, the new asset will ease traffic congestion, shorten travel times and improve walking access. Most importantly, it will provide an evacuation route in emergencies and help support communities affected by climate change relocate inland.

The efficient delivery of the Queen Sālote Wharf Upgrade, our commitment to sustainability and the broader social outcomes achieved were key factors in securing the new project.

Fraser Wyllie, the McConnell Dowell Managing Director for New Zealand and the Pacific, said it best, “We are not just building bridges, we are building futures”.

He thanked the Queen Sālote team, acknowledging that “the project award is recognition of the outstanding work done on the wharf” and that it will “provide continued opportunities for our local workforce.” About 80 per cent of the team were hired locally, and they will begin transitioning to the new project later this year.

We’re proud to deliver infrastructure to help grow the local economy, improve community connectivity and Provide a Better Life for Tongans

Source McConnell Dowell
https://www.mcconnelldowell.com/proje...

Lotoukaiano Folaha, Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga.
28th October 2025

Filmed by Broadcom Broadcasting 87.5FM