GE 13 : Five new flyovers to ease Kuching traffic

The state has applied to build five more flyovers in various locations in the city including one over the Datu Temenggung Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip roundabout, to ease the fast growing traffic congestion here.
Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong said the proposals have been officially submitted for consideration by the federal government.
The elevated road projects were proposed to be built at the Jalan Mendu-Batu Lintang intersection, Green Road-Jalan Keretapi intersection, Mile 2 and-a-half Rock Road intersection and Stutong roundabout. This, apart from the roundabout leading to the Matang road.
Calls for a flyover to be built above the Datu Temenggung Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip roundabout have been made for years, following the worsening traffic congestion along the Matang road and Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman leading to the Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Bridge that connects Petra Jaya to the city centre.
“The Public Works Department (PWD) estimated each flyover project to cost about RM70 million but it could cost less because the (newly-completed) Jalan Song flyover was tendered at only RM48 million. Now there is no more congestion there,” Manyin who is also Tebedu assemblyman told reporters following an event to announce the site of the new Matang-Batu Kawa dual carriageway two-lane road project near Matang E-mart here yesterday.
Also present were Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who officiated at the event, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng, Works Ministry secretary general Datuk Himmat Singh, Petra Jaya incumbent MP Datuk Fadillah Yusof, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Tupong assemblyman Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman among others.
The state recently announced that a third bridge to connect Petra Jaya and the city centre wouldbe built at Matang connecting to Batu Kawa as an alternative route for commuters. Matang area is currently experiencing daily acute traffic congestion especially during the morning and noon peak hours.
There is an immediate need to provide an alternative route between Matang and Kuching city to cater for the fast pace development and population growth in Matang to allow fast disperse of traffic.
Touching on the new RM145 million bridge project to connect Matang and Batu Kawa, Manyin said the bridge is most likely to be built as a causeway although the decision has yet to be finalised. Provision will be made to enable the bridge to cater for passing vessels. He estimated the project to be completed within two years.
“Building the bridge as a barrage will cost less. The PWD and the DID (Drainage and Irrigation Department) will conduct a thorough study to see which option would provide better advantages.
“The planning for the whole project has been completed and the project has been officially given the green-light by the Public Works Ministry. The state hoped that the open tender could be awarded as soon as possible after the general election,” he continued.
Manyin explained the project would be divided into two phases. The first phase will involve the construction and upgrading of about 8km two-lane dual carriageway road from E-mart roundabout at Matang linking up to the existing Stapok Utama road all the way to Jalan Batu Kawa and for the building of a 300 metre four-lane bridge spanning across Sungai Sarawak.
The E-mart roundabout would be upgraded into a traffic signalised junction. The second phase is the upgrading of the Mile 4-Jalan Stephen Yong bypass area.
“The PWD has the capability to undertake this project. Furthermore, we will award the project in packages to various contractors in order to expedite the project,” he continued.