MIRI: Work on the proposed Sungai Miri Bridge began yesterday and is expected to take a year to complete.
The 146-metre bridge will have a six-metre wide deck for single lane traffic plus a 1.25-metre wide footpath as well as navigational clearance of 16 metres for river traffic at the centre span.
“It is for the good of the people in Miri particularly those living and working around this area,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan when announcing the commencement of work for the bridge and associated work on road and traffic flow at Piasau yesterday.
The RM45 million project consists of the additional single lane bridge linking Jalan Piasau and Jalan Pantai-Peninsula, widening of approach roads, and upgrading of traffic light system at Jalan Pantai-Peninsula.
“The river crossing at the site is currently being served by a single lane steel bailey bridge. Traffic is controlled at both ends of the bridge with traffic lights to allow two-way traffic,” said Dr Chan.
The new bridge will be constructed alongside the existing bridge to enable smooth two-way traffic and alleviate congestion at the river crossing. “Now when you want to cross you have to wait. In the future, with double lanes, people don’t have to wait,” he said.
Dr Chan said the project was crucial with the increase in population and housing development in the area.
Prior to this, the bridge was mainly to cater for Shell staff and those living in Piasau Camp, Kampung Pulau Melayu as well as those going to the Miri Golf Club and Lutong.
“Now with the increasing residences and other development activities in and within this area, so we have to widen both the bridge and road. The cost is very reasonable, including traffic lights and roads,” he added. For public safety, the existing bridge will be closed from 8.30am to 5pm for around three months for piling work.
Meanwhile, the road work would include the construction of a 300-metre bridge approach along Jalan Piasau and construction of a new single lane carriageway to connect the new bridge at both ends.
“Other project would be widening and resurfacing of the existing road and improving existing T-junctions at Jalan Piasau to Jalan Pantai-Peninsula with a traffic signal system,” said Dr Chan.
Among those present yesterday were Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia, Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai and Public Works Department (JKR) divisional engineer Goh Soon Boon.