SIBU: A traffic bottleneck at the Jalan Ling Kai Cheng junction here is set to ease with RM2.34 million allocated to widen the intersection and improve traffic flow towards Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah and the Teku area.
The second phase of the upgrading project is expected to begin in September and take about four months to complete, involving the widening of a 200-metre stretch at the junction.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the upgrade was necessary as the existing two-lane junction was struggling to cope with growing traffic volume, particularly during peak hours.
He said long queues were frequently formed by vehicles waiting to make right turns, creating delays and restricting the movement of traffic through the junction.
“Once completed, the junction will be reconfigured into four lanes to increase its capacity and reduce waiting time for road users.
“Two lanes will cater for through traffic, while additional lanes will be provided for vehicles turning right and making U-turns,” he said.
Tiang was speaking to reporters after handing over the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project for the upgrading of Jalan Ling Kai Cheng and Jalan Lilin to the contractor at the site today.
The project marks the latest improvement to Jalan Ling Kai Cheng, which stretches 1.2 kilometres and had previously undergone upgrading works costing more than RM3.7 million.
While the road itself is now in good condition, Tiang said the junction remained a critical weak point as increasing traffic volume and limited road space continued to hamper movement.
“This is an important improvement because upgrading the road alone is not enough if the junction remains a bottleneck.
“We need to ensure that the entire traffic movement is able to function more efficiently, especially during peak periods,” he said.
To minimise disruption during construction, he said most of the works would be scheduled during the afternoon and night, when traffic volume is generally lower.
“However, motorists are advised to be patient throughout the construction period and to exercise caution when passing through the work area,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jalan Lilin will also undergo a 500-metre upgrading project costing RM350,000.
Tiang said the project was initiated following feedback from residents who highlighted the need to improve the road condition in the area.
Although smaller in scale, he said the project was equally important in ensuring that local road infrastructure remained safe and in good condition.
The project was initially expected to take between two and four months, but Tiang said favourable weather conditions could allow the works to be completed within one to two months.
He said both projects reflected the government’s continued efforts to strengthen Sibu’s road infrastructure, particularly in areas experiencing rising traffic demand.
More importantly, he said future road improvements would have to go beyond repairing or widening roads, with greater emphasis placed on traffic efficiency, junction capacity and road safety.
“Our main objective is to ensure smoother traffic flow, reduce waiting time at junctions and, at the same time, provide greater comfort and safety for road users,” added Tiang
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) engineer Tony Wong was also present.
