KUCHING: A one-way alternative lane on the Sungai Bintangor Bridge near Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol has been opened to ease traffic flow for residents in the Satok area.
The opening of this lane today (Feb14) aims to smoothen traffic flow after several delays in the project’s completion.
According to Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, the bridge lane, which had been delayed since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, is now operational from 5 am to 2 pm daily.
“This lane will be closed again from 2 pm. to 4.30 pm to allow construction work to continue. It will reopen from 4.30 pm to 10 pm,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after the official handover of the Muara Sungai Bintangor Police Station from Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) to the Sarawak Police today (Feb14).
Ibrahim added that the opening of the lane will continue until the completion of the iconic bridge project by June 2025, after receiving approval from the Occupational Safety and Health Department (JKKP).
“However, the project completion schedule may be affected depending on the weather conditions,” he said.
Ibrahim also explained that the full opening of the lane has not yet occurred as construction work is still ongoing, which could pose a risk to road users.
Once the construction is completed and the area is deemed safe, the road will be fully opened, with hopes that both lanes will be completely operational before Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Previously, the closure of the bridge forced users to take alternative routes, such as Jalan Satok, or make a detour under the Satok Bridge via the Satok-Kulas Interchange to reach Kampung Nombor 1 to 6.
The Sungai Bintangor Bridge project, which began in 2019, faced various challenges that caused delays in its completion.
The relocation of utility assets was the main cause of the delay, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp increase in construction material prices, which also affected the project.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development of Sarawak, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, had previously confirmed that the Sarawak government granted an extension of 819 days (over two years) to the contractor to complete the project.
Despite this, he mentioned that the overall cost of the project decreased to RM47.7 million, compared to the original cost of RM50.6 million.
“This saving is a result of the lower-than-expected costs for piling works,” he added.
