PUSA: The Sarawak government is set to reap the benefits of years of hard work with the completion of major bridges across the region.
According to Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, this year will see the completion of several significant bridges, which will soon be open for public use.
“Some bridges have already been completed, such as the Marudi Bridge and the Muara Lassa Bridge, and by March, the Batang Saribas One Bridge in Pusa is expected to be completed.
“That also goes for the Jepak Bridge and Rejang Bridge along Jalan Pasi-Tanjung Manis, which are almost reaching completion and expected to open in March.
“Apart from that, the other bridges are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“This year, the Sarawak government is focused on harvesting the results of long-standing efforts, with many bridges set to be completed,” he said.
The Batang Saribas One Bridge, a key component of the Sarawak Coastal Road, is ahead of schedule by approximately two per cent and is expected to be completed earlier than the initial target of May.
“We will do our best to open the bridge before Raya, making mobility easier for the people during the festive season,” he said.
He added that the use of advanced methods and the expertise of contractors have ensured the bridge construction remains ahead of schedule.
“The biggest challenge was the Pusa basin’s soft and uneven soil structure, which required contractors to pile as deep as 80 metres.
“Despite the geological challenges, modern techniques and contractor expertise enabled construction to proceed smoothly,” he explained.
The project involves the construction of a 1.55-kilometre bridge with dual carriageway access roads and upgrading existing roads on both sides of Pusa and Beladin.
The primary objective is to enhance road connectivity, replace ferry services, and reduce travel time between Pusa and Beladin from 30 minutes to just a few minutes.
Aidel said the Batang Saribas Two Bridge is currently 51 per cent complete.
