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Supporting
safer
roads
and
stronger
transport
systems
in
the
Solomon
Islands
In the Solomon Islands, road crashes are estimated to cost the economy more than US$70 million annually — equivalent to almost 6% of GDP (World Bank, 2020). This highlights the significant social and economic impacts of road trauma across the country and underscores the need for a more coordinated and sustained national approach to road safety.

As economic activity, urbanisation and vehicle ownership continue to grow across the Pacific, strengthening road safety systems is becoming an increasingly important priority for governments and communities alike.

 

SMEC (an SJ Group company), is supporting the Solomon Islands to build a more coordinated and sustainable road safety program, helping translate policy into practical, on‑the‑ground outcomes. This work forms part of the Road Safety Capacity Improvement assignment under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), a supported initiative investing approximately US$89 million in safer and more climate-resilient transport infrastructure across the country (World Bank, 2022). Delivered for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the engagement focuses on strengthening institutional capability, improving coordination across national agencies and supporting a long-term road safety management across the country.

 

Residential street in the Solomon Islands with light traffic, roadside greenery and pedestrian walking along the road

 

Building a coordinated national approach to road safety

Road safety remains an ongoing challenge in the Solomon Islands, where fragmented responsibilities and limited cross-agency coordination have historically constrained the ability to deliver consistent improvements. Previous assessments identified several gaps, including the absence of a dedicated lead agency, limited legislative support and the need of a national road safety action plan.

 

Dual carriageway road in the Solomon Islands with vehicles travelling in both directions, featuring pedestrian crossings and central median planting

 

Improving road safety outcomes requires more than infrastructure upgrades. It relies on clear leadership, coordination across agencies and a shared commitment to practical, evidence‑based action. This assignment is about supporting the Solomon Islands to put those foundations in place for the long term.
— Lindsay Smith, SMEC Technical Principal, Transport Planning & Advisory

Through SIRAP2, SMEC is working with MID and key stakeholders, including the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, the Road Transport Board, Honiara City Council and other government and community partners, to support a more structured and collaborative approach to managing road safety risks.

This work contributes to SIRAP2’s broader objective of improving climate resilience and safety across the country’s transport infrastructure.

Developing a roadmap for safer roads

A central component of the assignment is the development of a three‑year Road Safety Action Plan designed to provide practical and implementable recommendations to guide national efforts.

The plan is informed by:

  • Assessments of the current road safety environment
  • Stakeholder consultation and engagement
  • Site-based investigations and local insights
  • International best practice, including the Safe System approach to managing road safety risk

This framework considers the interaction between road safety governance (legislation, enforcement and compliance), road design, speed management, driver behaviour and education, vehicle standards and post‑crash response and care. It’s a fundamental approach to reduce both the likelihood and severity of road incidents while supporting a safer more resilient transport network.

Unsealed rural road in the Solomon Islands surrounded by dense vegetation and trees

Strengthening institutions and capability

Beyond technical delivery, the project places a strong emphasis on institutional strengthening and long-term capability development. SMEC is working alongside MID and partner agencies to build capability through joint site visits, stakeholder engagement, road safety workshops, on‑the‑job training and knowledge sharing.

As part of this process, SMEC will support the establishment of a National Road Safety Council (NRSC), providing a platform to guide decision-making, improve governance, enhance coordination between agencies and oversee implementation of the Road Safety Action Plan.

The project will also convene Solomon Islands’ first National Road Safety Conference, bringing together government, industry and community stakeholders to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and raise awareness of road safety priorities across the country.

Road safety workshop session in the Solomon Islands with participants seated around a table during a presentation led by a facilitator

Supporting sustainable outcomes for the community

Structured across a series of defined phases and deliverables, the project includes baseline assessments, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and implementation support. Key milestones include:

  • Development of a national Road Safety Action Plan
  • Delivery of a one‑day National Road Safety Conference
  • Establishment of a National Road Safety Council
  • Support for ongoing governance and implementation activities

Roadside market area along a paved road in the Solomon Islands with parked vehicles and small stalls on both sides
By combining technical expertise with local collaboration and capacity building, the project aims to deliver practical and sustainable outcomes that support the Solomon Islands in strengthening road safety management systems over the long term.

Through this work, SMEC is contributing to safer, more resilient transport networks that support communities, economic activity and access to essential services across the Solomon Islands.

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