By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Dec 5: The RM7 million new pedestrian overhead bridge at Jalan Tudan in Miri, the city’s largest, significantly improves safety and convenience, especially for students of SK Tudan.
Stretching 55.6 metres, the bridge is built with a steel structure and includes a wheelchair-accessible concrete ramp, protective roofing, and lighting for enhanced visibility at night.
According to a news report by Ukas, the project, which began on Nov 4, 2022, was finished ahead of its original deadline of Oct 10, 2024.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin highlighted the bridge’s importance, especially with Jalan Tudan Utama being a busy four-lane road.
“The safety of students and road users is our top priority. This bridge is not only the largest in Miri, but it also features wheelchair-friendly ramps, protective roofing, and lighting to ensure safety after dark,” he said after officiating the bridge on Wednesday (Dec 4).
However, Lee noted challenges such as vandalism, misuse by motorcyclists using the wheelchair ramps, and illegal street racing, which hinder the bridge’s intended purpose.
“The school’s headmistress has reported over 20 police complaints about these issues. I will raise these concerns with the police for further action,” he stated.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and contractors for completing the project ahead of schedule.
Present at the event were acting Miri Division Resident Juan Ubit, JKR Miri Division assistant engineer Louis Jonathan Philip, and SK Tudan headmistress Jamilah Mail. — DayakDaily
