By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 13: A new nine-kilometre (km) south access road to the Kuching International Airport (KIA) has been opened as an alternative for road users, thus helping to reduce the traffic congestion that often occurs on the Kota Samarahan-Kuching road.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris said the project is essential as it connects the Samarahan area with Kuching and has the potential to divert some traffic from main roads that are often congested, such as the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Serian, and Asajaya.
“We are opening this road early due to the urgent need to address congestion. Although there is still the installation of street lights and signs being implemented, this road is safe to use,” he said when met by reporters after completing the opening of the road here today.
At the same time, he also advised users to be careful when using the road, especially in the initial stages, because some new junctions and bridges require drivers’ attention.
He added that JKR will conduct a traffic study next week to assess the impact of the road opening on the existing traffic flow in the nearby areas.
“The number of vehicles that can be diverted from the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway has not yet been determined because it is the busiest route in Sarawak.
“However, with this new road, along with other projects such as the route from Batang Samarahan to Tanjung Bako, which is expected to be completed next year, we believe it can reduce congestion,” he said.
The RM112.9 million project, initiated in 2021, encountered challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, before its completion.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng were also present. — DayakDaily
