By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 29: Alternative routes have been provided in The Northbank area following the recent closure of a road in the area.
In a statement issued by Sarawak Metro, the road closure was necessary to construct an autonomous rapid transit (ART) station at the stretch of road near the Avona Residence serviced apartments within The Northbank area.
“The closure will remain in effect until the completion of Station SM07,” said the statement.
The ART station in The Northbank will be part of the development of the Blue Line Package 1 of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.
Additionally, the KUTS project’s Blue Line Package 1 contractor, the joint venture company made up of Ibraco Construction Sdn Bhd and China Railway Engineering Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd (ICJV), recently met several residents of the affected area to explain the need for the road closure and the new alternative routes to ease their movement.
These residents included business operators at the nearby shophouses as well as those staying at Avona Residence.
“Sarawak Metro and the Blue Line Package 1 contractor are committed to ensuring that disruptions to traffic flow in the area will be minimised during the construction of the station and dedicated lanes for the ART.
“As part of these efforts, Sarawak Metro, through its contractor will also continue to engage with the affected residents to ensure they are updated on the relevant developments of the KUTS project in their area,” said the statement.
The Blue Line, from Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Hikmah Exchange, is being developed in two packages.
Package 1 involves the construction and completion of the infrastructure work from Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Stutong.
As for Blue Line Package 2, which was awarded to the joint venture company comprised of Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd and China Road & Bridge Corporation, it will involve the construction and completion of infrastructure works from Stutong to Hikmah Exchange in the city centre.
Apart from constructing dedicated lanes and stations for the KUTS project, the scope of work for Blue Line Package 1 and Package 2 also included road widening and other essential infrastructure enhancements. — DayakDaily
