By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 18: The implementation of the Santubong Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) route project will be carried out in stages, beginning with preliminary works involving the relocation of trees before major infrastructure construction begins next year, including a second Santubong Bridge that will serve as a dedicated ART crossing over the Santubong River.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the project comprises several phases, including the development of the ART corridor from the area beyond the Santubong Bridge to Damai, alongside the construction of the new bridge.
As part of the project, Sultan Tengah Road will also be upgraded from a two-lane road into a dual carriageway to improve traffic capacity and enhance traffic flow in the area.
“The project will feature a dedicated ART lane along the centre of the road, while the outer lanes will be designated for motorcycles and bicycles,” he said.
“The first phase will cover the stretch from the Yayasan Sarawak Roundabout to the existing Santubong Bridge, followed by the construction of the new Santubong Bridge, as announced by the Sarawak Premier,” he said in a TVS news.
He highlighted this when met by reporters after officiating the Kampung Rampangi Smart Street Lighting Project Phase 1 and Phase 2 on Friday night (July 18). DBKU Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman was among the distinguished guests present.
Dr Abdul Rahman said a total of 1,720 trees have been identified for relocation to facilitate the project, with 536 trees assessed as suitable for transplantation.
“These trees will be replanted at several locations, including the Aminuddin Baki Institute, the School of Arts, Darul Hana, and Jalan FAC,” he added.
The tree relocation exercise is expected to take between six and eight months and will be carried out jointly by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
He added that the ART corridor design will be tailored to suit the local landscape and conditions, with certain sections requiring two lanes while others may only need a single lane due to space constraints and terrain considerations. — DayakDaily
