KUCHING: A new access road has been proposed from Jalan Stephen Yong junction to RPR Landeh in a strategic move to ease chronic traffic congestion along Jalan Penrissen, one of the busiest primary routes linking Kuching to the hinterland.
The proposed road, which is currently under preliminary planning, is expected to provide an alternative route for motorists travelling between the rapidly developing Jalan Landeh, Batu Kawa and Kota Sentosa areas.
With traffic volume increasing steadily due to housing developments, commercial activities and institutional growth, Jalan Penrissen has experienced daily bottlenecks at Mile 7 flyover and Mile 8 traffic light junction, particularly during peak hours.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said he had already requested for that road and had even brought it up in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
He believes the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is looking seriously into it.
“I was told that it has been approved under the current 13th Malaysia plan. I am very positive that the Premier will endorse and implement this project because this project will benefit a lot of people.
“Our Premier is a very positive person, he knows, so he will do it,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Lo said the proposed new road, which is likely to be about 10km long, is expected to cost about RM50 million as it may have to go through some swampy areas.
He said the new access road would serve as a relief corridor, dispersing traffic more efficiently and reducing travel time for thousands of commuters who rely on Jalan Penrissen to get to work, school and business centres and to get home from work in the city area.
He noted that the alignment is expected to begin near the Jalan Stephen Yong junction and connect directly to RPR Landeh, offering residents in the surrounding housing estates a more convenient outlet without having to funnel through the main Jalan Penrissen stretch.
“This proposal is timely and necessary in view of rapid urban expansion along Jalan Landeh. The proposed new road is going to be a shortcut to Landeh.
“Now, you have to travel to Landeh through 7th mile and 10th mile, which is conjested. If we can have this road, all the residents from Jalan Landeh will be able to use this short cut to Kuching.
“Now, there are many housing estates and commercial properties coming up at Jalan Landeh. You can see this at both sides of Jalan Landeh. The proposed new road will ease the traffic,” he said.
Over the past decade, residential schemes and light industrial zones have mushroomed along both Jalan Batu Kawa and Jalan Penrissen, contributing to heavier traffic flow than the roads were originally designed to accommodate.
While details on cost and implementation timeline have yet to be announced, the proposed access road from Jalan Stephen Yong junction to RPR Landeh could significantly transform traffic distribution patterns, bringing long-term relief to motorists and improving daily commuting experience along Jalan Penrissen.
