BINTULU: The Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, set to become a landmark for both Bintulu and Jepak, is expected to be completed one year from today.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed his satisfaction with the construction progress during his site visit yesterday (Oct 30).
Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said construction of the bridge is currently 67.2 per cent complete, surpassing its target by 27.6 per cent.
“Hence, we are confident that the bridge will be completed in October next year.
“This bridge will be a game changer that will change the face of Bintulu with its beautiful cable stay design, complemented by decorative lighting.
“In addition, the bridge will significantly reduce the travel time and distance from Bintulu city to Bintulu Airport, shortening the route from 25km to 10km.
“This is a development in Jepak area that we are very proud of,” he said when met by reporters at Rumah Stanly Lunyong, Kuala Serupai.
Uggah added that they had discussions with the contractor and the Public Works Department (PWD) to address potential issues anticipated in the upcoming months.
The timely resolution of issues such as shortage of sand or labour, will be crucial to meeting the Bintulu-Jepak bridge’s completion target in October next year.
The construction of this RM466,679,497 bridge, spanning approximately one kilometre, commenced on April 3, 2019, with an initial completion schedule of 48 months, expected in 2023.
However, the progress was hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent movement control order (MCO).
