By Karen Bong
SEBUYAU, July 9: The completion of eight road projects under the Sarawak Second Trunk Road (SSTR) and Coastal Road Network (CSTR) in the Samarahan, Betong and Sri Aman divisions is set to shorten the travelling distance between Kuching and Sibu by 144 kilometres.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that once the entire network is completed, motorists will only need to travel 252km between the two cities, compared with 396km via the Pan Borneo Highway.
He said the reduction in travel distance would significantly improve connectivity, lower logistics costs and create greater economic opportunities for communities along Sarawak’s coastal corridor.
“The road network surrounding Batang Lupar 1 Bridge forms part of a broader transformation to strengthen connectivity between coastal areas and major towns across Sarawak,” he said during the launch of Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in Sebuyau today.
Uggah said the integrated road network involves major packages linking Samarahan, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Lingga, Sri Aman, Betong and Roban, with a combined investment of RM3.21 billion. The projects comprise:
- Package A1-A: A dual two-lane road from Samarahan Bridge to Sadong Jaya costing RM529.8 million and scheduled for completion in December 2027;
- Package A1-B: An elevated highway leading to Sadong Jaya Bridge costing RM779.9 million and expected to be completed in September 2030;
- Package A2: A road linking Sadong Jaya and Sebuyau costing RM542.8 million, with completion targeted by the end of 2030 following its approval for upgrading into a dual two-lane carriageway;
- Package B1: A road from Sebuyau to Lingga Bridge costing RM494.6 million;
- Packages P1 and P2: Upgrading works from Lingga Bridge to Bakong and Entulang in Sri Aman at a cost of RM140.8 million, expected to be completed in March 2027;
- Package B4: A road linking Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 to the Pan Borneo Highway interchange in Betong costing RM292 million and due for completion in September 2026;
- Package A5: A road connecting Saribas Bridge No. 2 to the Pan Borneo Highway interchange in Roban costing RM431.8 million, with completion expected in March 2027.
- The SSTR package linking Ulu Paku and Pakan, valued at RM250 million, is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Uggah said Batang Lupar 1 Bridge would serve as a key component of the integrated transportation network, enhancing connectivity between communities and supporting future economic growth.
“Once completed, these infrastructure projects will provide a more efficient transportation corridor and bring development closer to the people,” he said.
Batang Lupar 1 Bridge is a vital component of Sarawak’s broader coastal infrastructure transformation, aimed at improving accessibility, enhancing regional connectivity and reducing dependence on ferry crossings. — DayakDaily
