DUN Sarawak: The Star-Spangled Banner has been upgraded to four lanes

KUCHING, Oct 13: The route of about 13 kilometers from Nyelong River Bridge in Sarikei to Red Bridge in Bintangor is proposed to be upgraded from two-lane road to four lanes to increase the capacity and smoothness of traffic movement in the corridors.

Deputy Minister of Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the project proposal by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) also includes construction of two new bridges as well as related road infrastructure.

According to him, the scope of the project involves widening existing roads and building facilities necessary to support the classification of those routes.

However, he said the estimated cost of the project has not been finalized as cost determination can only be made after JKR Sarawak completes detailed design and implementation cost estimates.

"JKR Sarawak will act as an executive agency for the proposed project", he said.

He said this in response to a question by Repok Member of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

Meanwhile, Penguang explained that Sarikei District Council (MDS) has no immediate plans to upgrade or expand the Nyelong River Bridge at this time.

According to him, the bridge was built by JKR Sarawak before being handed over to MDS in 2008.

"The bridges and related road facilities are listed under the Malaysian Highway Records Information System (MARRIS), including the Meranti Road.

"MDS will continue to carry out periodic maintenance work, in particular works that do not involve major structural repair or classification of bridge structures", he said.

The proposal to upgrade the Nyelong-Bintangor corridor is expected to increase the capacity of the road network between the two areas, but its implementation still depends on detailed design preparation and cost estimate confirmation by JKR Sarawak.-TVS