Btg Lupar No. 1 Bridge to open for public use by end May

KUCHING (Jan 27): The Batang Lupar No. 1 Bridge is expected to be opened to the public by the end of May ahead of the Gawai celebration, said Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development said the RM848.75 million project is currently in its final stage with construction progress now at 94.6 per cent, and is scheduled for full completion on May 15.

“The project is progressing smoothly according to schedule despite technical issues at Pier 52. However, the issues were resolved, which is why the overall progress has remains good.

“It will be completed in May and this means that before the Gawai celebration, the bridge will be opened to the public,” he said according to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.

He said this when met during the final site visit and symbolic ‘final stitching’ ceremony at the project site in Kampung Beliong, Sebuyau yesterday.

Aidel pointed out that the bridge is one of Sarawak’s key infrastructure projects that is expected to significantly improve connectivity, boost economic activities and ease movement, particularly for residents in Sebuyau and surrounding areas.

He added that nine other bridges are scheduled to be completed this year, which will help reduce travel time between divisions that previously required lengthy journeys.

He said the completion of these bridges, together with the Pan Borneo Highway, the coastal road network and the Second Trunk Road, would ensure a fully connected road network in the central and interior regions of the state.

“These road networks complement each other, including the construction of new roads and spur roads linking the Pan Borneo Highway and the coastal road, which will complete the road network in this area.

“This will in turn improve the quality of life for coastal communities,” he said.

Also present were Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris, deputy director Wisil Lichok, and Samarahan Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang.