Batang Samarahan bridge only open for trial run, clarifies JKR

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The signage which informs members of the public not to enter the work site leading to the Batang Samarahan bridge.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Batang Samarahan bridge costing some RM94 million was only open to the public for a short while – from 4pm to 7pm yesterday – for a trial run.

Therefore, members of the public, especially Gawai Dayak celebrants, are advised not to use the bridge until further notice.

According to a statement from the state Public Works Department (JKR), the bridge was not supposed to be opened for the whole of yesterday (May 28).

The 774-metre long bridge connecting Kota Samarahan and Asajaya will reopen after a road safety certificate for it is issued. Construction work on the bridge began in January 2015.

JKR said it expected the certificate before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday, which may fall on June 15.

The press statement was issued in response to some public grouses on the bridge, which some thought had opened for public use starting from yesterday following a news report quoting Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang that it would be open to the public on May 28.

In the meantime, travellers could still get to Asajaya via the ‘UiTM-Asajaya’ road or by using a ferry crossing the Batang Samarahan at Kota Samarahan.