Batang Lupar Bridge expected to be completed by 2025 – Abang Johari

KUCHING, Jan 5  -- The RM5 billion coastal road project stretching 896 kilometres (km) and the construction of the Batang Lupar bridge in Sarawak are expected to be completed by 2025 said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari said upon completion, the 7 km bridge connecting Triso in Meludam to Sebuyau would be among the longest river crossing bridges in Malaysia.

“Based on the agreement (with the previous federal government under Barisan Nasional), the cost-sharing is 50-50 (half of the cost would be borne by the federal government), but after the change of government… we (the state government) continue to (use) our own allocation," he said.

He said this at a media conference after the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a sports and community hall with innovation hub in Batu Kawa, here today.

Abang Johari said the construction of the coastal road was the brainchild of the fifth Sarawak chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, approved by the BN government (prior to the 14th General Election).

He said upon completion the toll-free coastal road would replace the ferry services.

The project involves the construction of seven bridges including the Kuala Kemena Batang Saribas bridge, Sungai Krian bridge and Batang Paloh bridge that will connect northern and southern districts.

-- BERNAMA