MUKAH: The installation of a smart traffic light system at the Jalan Wawasan junction here is nearly complete, with the project recording 99 per cent progress and expected to begin operations on Dec 24.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said the remaining works involve final tasks such as site cleaning, road markings and sensor calibration, which are expected to be completed within a day.
“The early activation of this smart traffic light is important to ensure smoother traffic flow ahead of the Christmas festive season, as vehicle movement into and out of Mukah is expected to increase until the year-end,” he said when inspecting the project on Monday (Dec 22).
Royston also expressed appreciation to the Mukah Division Resident’s Office, the Dalat and Mukah District Council (MDDM) as the implementing agency, the relevant ministry under the Transport Ministry, as well as the contractor for their commitment to completing the project in accordance with the required specifications and quality standards.
He explained that the project had previously faced challenges involving underground cables and utility issues, which required coordination with Sarawak Energy Supply Corporation (SESCO).
However, he said the construction works resumed promptly after the issues were resolved.
Royston added that the contractor had been instructed to optimise the positioning of traffic sensors based on experience gained from the implementation of smart traffic lights at the Setia Raja junction, to ensure more effective vehicle detection without disrupting traffic flow.
With the project nearing completion, he said the smart traffic light system is expected to improve road safety at the junction, which had previously been identified as an accident-prone area, and provide greater benefits to road users.
