SEBUYAU: The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge is expected to be ready for use by next year’s Gawai, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said the RM848-million project, once completed, would mark a major milestone in Sarawak’s infrastructure development, enhancing land connectivity between the southern and northern regions of the state.
“We are confident the bridge will be usable by Gawai 2026.
“As of now, it is already 84 per cent completed, and the contractor is doing their best despite the challenges,” he said this when met by reporters during a site visit to the construction of the bridge today.
The project, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic on January 7, 2021, faced some delays, particularly due to complications at Pier 52, but Uggah said the issue had been addressed and construction is back on track.
“This is a very challenging site. It is at a river mouth, close to the sea, where the ground conditions are extremely difficult.
“But the contractors have shown remarkable capability in overcoming these issues,” Uggah stated, further praising the technical expertise involved in the project.
He added that the bridge forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve land accessibility throughout Sarawak.
“This is one of 16 major bridge projects currently under construction across the state. We’ve also just launched another bridge project in Miri (Marina Bridge) with a value of RM450 million.
“These projects are not only about infrastructure. They are also about driving economic growth and connecting our people more efficiently,” he said.
Uggah stressed that the government, through Public Works Department (PWD), will continue to monitor the progress closely to ensure all works proceed according to schedule.
For the record, spanning 4.8 kilometres, the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge will be the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia upon completion.
Its structure also includes a towering span that rises 111 metres, showcasing the engineering ambition of the state.
