KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated RM370 million for the construction of the Sungai Sarawak-Sejingkat Bridge that will connect Kuching and Samarahan.
Work is estimated to complete in four years. The bridge would span 1.3km across Sungai Sarawak, with a vertical clearance of 26m.
This was disclosed by Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi during his yesterday’s site inspection at Jalan Tanjung Bako, Samarahan.
He explained that the project was part of a package aiming to ease traffic congestion on the Kuching-Samarahan expressway.
“Construction has begun, namely the contractors are in the progress of building the approach road. The other projects involved the upgrading of Jalan Tanjung Bako and the new road heading towards the Samarahan Bridge.
“Of course, works on five roundabouts are also in progress. That was an earlier option to solve the traffic congestion, along with having smart traffic lights.”
The Sebuyau assemblyman added that the bridge was part of the coastal road project and fully borne by the state government.
“I would like to emphasise that this initiative is an effort by the state government under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak leadership. It is 100 percent supported by the state government and it shows the determination in establishing coastal road connectivity.
“When there is road connectivity, it would open up opportunities for socioeconomic development as well as bring progress to the people,” he pointed out.
He also disclosed that the earth-breaking ceremony for the project, scheduled for later this month, would be officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
