KUCHING: Motorists heading into the city centre this weekend will need to plan their journeys carefully as multiple roads will be closed or diverted for the Kuching Marathon 2026.
The traffic restrictions will begin as early as noon on Saturday (Sept 26), with some closures continuing until 10am on Sunday (Sept 27), as police work to facilitate preparations for the event and ensure the safety of runners and road users.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the marathon would involve local and international participants, with road closures and diversions implemented at different times depending on the location.
“The first closures will take effect from noon on Sept 26 at Lebuh Wayang/Main Bazaar Street, Main Bazaar Street/Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg/Carpenter Street, where preparations for the marathon will be carried out.
“Meanwhile, the Jalan Barrack/Jalan Pearl Street will also be closed for marathon preparations from 10pm on Saturday.
“The wider traffic restrictions will begin from 12.01am on Sunday, covering several roads along the marathon route,” he said.
These include the Pearl Street/Wawasan Street traffic lights towards Padang Merdeka, Lebuh Wayang/Wawasan Street towards Padang Merdeka, McDougall Road/Tun Abang Haji Openg Street towards Padang Merdeka and the Haji Taha slip road.
Other affected points include the Jalan Ajibah Abol traffic lights, Muhibbah Road/Kulas Road junction, Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakob Road/Merdeka Road junction, Kampung Lintang Road/Astana Road traffic lights, Kuching Court Roundabout, Sesco Roundabout and Samariang Roundabout.
Traffic restrictions will also be implemented at the Sultan Tengah Road traffic lights near the fire and rescue station and Sego, as well as Yayasan Roundabout, Kesuma Resort Roundabout, Stadium Roundabout and Gersik Roundabout.
The affected locations further include the Merrican Salleh Road/Kwong Lee Bank Road traffic lights, Tanah Putih Clinic traffic lights, Sekama Road/Pending traffic lights, Sri Aman Roundabout and the Gamelan Road/Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakob Road junction.
Alexson advised motorists to avoid parking along road shoulders in the affected areas and to use alternative routes where possible to minimise congestion.
Members of the public seeking further information can contact the district Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division at 082-259900.
