The Mauritian government has announced a new diversion plan to take effect on Monday, November 16, 2026, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in Port-Louis. The plan was decided upon during a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Friday, November 13. This decision comes as a result of the closure of a section of Rue Monseigneur-Leen due to a landslide that damaged part of the road and a retaining wall.
The closure of the Rue Monseigneur-Leen section between G.E.F. Poulin and D'Alembert streets has caused significant disruptions, with traffic jams reported in and around Port-Louis. The initial diversion plan implemented by the Ministry of Land Transport has been revised due to the severity of the congestion. The new plan aims to minimize delays and facilitate smoother traffic flow.
The Ministry of Land Transport will issue a communiqué detailing the new diversion routes and changes. Motorists are advised to follow the signage and instructions of police officers deployed to regulate traffic. The repair works, estimated to cost Rs 5 million, are being carried out by Transinvest Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed by December 21.
The traffic congestion has resulted in considerable delays, with some motorists spending up to 90 minutes or more commuting to work. The situation has prompted Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, to explore measures to mitigate the congestion. He has expressed hope that the repair works can be completed by the first half of December, ahead of the US-Africa Business Summit.
Osman Mahomed has also suggested that works may be carried out in the evenings to minimize disruptions. The government is working to find a balance between ensuring public safety and reducing the impact on daily commutes. The US-Africa Business Summit is expected to take place in early December, and the government is keen to complete the works before the event.
The diversion plan is part of a broader effort to manage traffic flow in Port-Louis. The government has previously implemented measures such as restricting traffic on certain roads during peak hours. The authorities are urging motorists to plan their routes in advance and to exercise patience during this period.
The repair works are crucial to securing the area and preventing further damage. The government has assured the public that it is working to minimize the disruptions and find a long-term solution to the traffic congestion in Port-Louis. The new diversion plan is expected to bring some relief to motorists and residents.
Key points
- The new diversion plan aims to reduce traffic congestion in Port-Louis caused by the closure of a section of Rue Monseigneur-Leen.
- The repair works are estimated to cost Rs 5 million and are expected to be completed by December 21.
- The government is working to complete the works before the US-Africa Business Summit in early December.
