SIBU: Sibu Airport Interchange is gradually taking shape when works to launch the 84 beams of the seven-span Sibu Airport Interchange started on April 23.
When completed in less than a year’s time, the interchange will make travel from Sibu town to the airport and Sibu Jaya a breeze.
According to Zainol Ramli, LBU Construction manager for Sibu section, under Works Package 07 (Bintangor Junction-Julau Junction and Sibu Airport-Sungai Kua Bridge), the whole process of getting all the beams launched will take two to three weeks.
“The beam launch is significant as once it is done, we can start work on the roundabout which we hope to complete within the next 12 months.
“Once the roundabout is ready, there will be no more hassle for road users who currently have to drive through a long diversion to Sibu Jaya or towards the airport,” Zainol said.
Works on the Sibu Airport Interchange which started in the middle of 2017 was affected initially due to soft ground conditions in the area. The contractor had to treat a large area near the roundabout leading to an extra quantum of works.
Instead of proceeding with construction works based on the original drawings, the contractor had to spend time and resources to treat the ground first by doing piled embankment.
“This is an important measure to stabilise the road foundation,” clarified Zainol.
He said after the beam launch was completed, the contractor would move on to work on the deck slab before working on the road furniture for the interchange.
Sibu Airport Interchange is expected to be fully completed by March 2020.
