Major roadworks in Apia’s busy town centre since the end of March this year have led to significant traffic changes, with the Post Office Road now converted into a one-way street.

The new traffic direction applies to the stretch opposite the well-known ANZ and Vodafone buildings. Vehicles will now only exit the street by turning left onto Beach Road, while turning left into the street from Beach Road is no longer permitted. The redesigned road also features newly marked parking spaces within the street itself.

Four parking meters have been installed along the revamped section, although they remain inactive. Two meters are located on the ANZ building side, while the other two are located on the Vodafone and Samoa Post side.

The meters are still covered and have not yet been brought into operation. When they do become functional, they will join the few other meters around town, many of which see little to no regular use. How motorists will respond to the new meters remains to be seen.

According to the Land Transport Authority, the initiative aimed to improve the traffic flow in the area and to accommodate the poor parking spaces, which had caused congestion. 

The roadworks have been underway for several weeks rather than the original three weeks it was planned for. Motorists and businesses continue to adjust to the altered flow and parking conditions.

It is unclear when the works will be completed or whether further changes are planned. Questions sent via email to the Chief Executive Officer, Sagauga Leilani Galuvao, have so far gone unanswered.