KUCHING: A bridge may be build to connect the fast-growing Matang area with the city to ease traffic congestion at Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman.
Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposal had been submitted to the federal government.
“Once the project is given the green light it can be completed within five years,” he told a press conference after launching ‘My Beautiful Neighbourhood’ programme at Taman Sri Harmoni in Mile 8 of Matang here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the proposed bridge was expected to cost more than RM100 million.
It would serve as both an alternative route for commuters and divert traffic away from the often congested Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Bridge, which connects Petra Jaya to the city centre via Satok.
He, however, kept the location of the proposed bridge under wraps.
“This new bridge will open up a whole new link road to Rubber Road, Batu Kawah, Jalan Stephen Yong and all the way to the
federal government complex at Simpang Tiga,” said Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Tourism.
“The government often received lots of complaints about the traffic jam at Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman. Even the slightest of traffic incidents could lead to massive jam.
“Based on our study, the Petra Jaya-Kuching route via Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman is most chronic.”
He added that building a flyover over the Datu Temenggung Abang Kipali Abang Akip Matang roundabout was deemed unfeasible.
“Matang is an area with the fastest economic and population growth. Building this new bridge is part of the master plan to improve traffic and public transportation flow in the city.”