By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Aug 18: Traffic congestion along Jalan Riam heading towards the Kampung Lopeng junction will be a thing in the past once the widening works and the installation of a traffic light is completed this year.
According to Minister for Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin who is also Senadin assemblyman, the project is being implemented at a cost of RM1 million with work expected to be completed within three months.
The improvement works for the junction and the installation of the traffic light are fully funded by the Sarawak government.
Currently, the project contractor is widening the road along the junction.
Once they complete this, the installation of the traffic light would begin immediately, Lee disclosed when met after inspecting the site earlier today.
“We hope with the completion of these two works (widening the present road along the junction and traffic light installation), it help to reduce accidents at the area,” he opined.
For years, the junction (Jalan Riam to Kampung Lopeng) has been an accident prone area for motorists and it is a busy road especially during peak hours as it located near a secondary school and a kindergarten apart from two villages.
“There were also four funeral parlors adjacent to the junction besides several cemeteries, which made it a very busy junction apart from being a very vital access point for motorists who travel back and forth to Taman Taman, Riam or Miri Airport and hospital,” Lee added.
During his site visit today, Lee was accompanied by Miri Public Works Department (JKR) divisional engineer Chong Chi Fam. — DayakDaily
