KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Samarahan Expressway is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature, a special transit signal priority designed for Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas noted the critical nature of this transit signal priority guideline, explaining that when the ART traverses the stretch, it will experience seamless passage without any interruptions.
He underscored the importance of synchronising all traffic lights to this concept, ensuring that as the ART approaches, the traffic lights will promptly turn green.
“The concept is that once the ART travels this route, it will proceed without stopping.
“It is crucial to synchronize all traffic lights to ensure that as the ART approaches, the lights seamlessly turn green, allowing it to maintain continuous movement without interruption.
“The goal is to have the traffic lights prepared to give a green signal as the ART approaches, preventing any need for it to stop,” he told the media during a site visit for upgrading works at a roundabout here today (Nov 16).
Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, stated that this initiative marks the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
He commended the project, hailing it as a result of local technological advancements that showcase Sarawak’s capabilities. “This means the people of Sarawak are remarkable.”
Spanning a length of 2.6km, the project incurred a cost of RM51mil.
Despite initial delays causing public dissatisfaction over the three-year period, Uggah expressed gratitude and congratulated the Public Works Department for surpassing expectations.
Originally slated for a Proof of Concept by the end of November, he asserted that the ART lane is now ready for evaluation.
In light of this, he said that early feedback indicates smooth and efficient traffic light functionality.
As such, he expressed hope that similar facilities will be implemented in more suitable locations in the future.
