MIRI: The Public Works Department (JKR) is introducing a temporary road improvement at Jalan Cahaya to ease severe traffic congestion affecting residents of Taman Lopeng Baru, while a permanent upgrading project moves towards the tender stage.
Transport Minister Sarawak and Senadin assemblyman Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin said JKR would work with utility agencies to identify and implement an interim solution without disrupting existing utility infrastructure along the road.
He said Jalan Cahaya was an important link connecting Miri Airport, the Miri-Bintulu route and the Pan Borneo Highway, making the congestion particularly disruptive during peak hours.
“The people staying in Taman Lopeng Baru are facing serious traffic congestion. We need a short-term solution while waiting for the permanent upgrading of this road,” he said.
Lee said the proposed interim works would focus on improving traffic flow at the existing junction, where the current road configuration was forcing vehicles travelling in different directions through a limited access point.
He said the improvement would allow traffic movements to be better distributed, reducing pressure on vehicles entering and leaving the housing estate.
“This is a request from the people here. I have spoken to the residents and they have given me their feedback,” he said.
Lee said JKR had brought together the relevant agencies, including Sarawak Energy, the gas and water utility providers, because existing cables and other infrastructure could affect the proposed works.
“JKR will work with the utility companies to ensure the temporary improvement can be carried out without affecting the utilities,” he said.
The congestion, he added, was also affecting traffic heading towards the Bonyok area and Miri, particularly in the evening, with the nearby Bonyok Medical Centre adding to traffic movements along the route.
Lee said the temporary solution would provide some immediate relief while the permanent Jalan Cahaya extension was being developed.
He said the permanent upgrading had already been identified under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with further development planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
The consultant is currently preparing the design for the extension, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“The project will then be tendered next year,” he said, adding JKR would prepare the necessary plans and seek the funding required to implement the interim works.
He stressed that the temporary measure was aimed at addressing the immediate traffic problem while the permanent road upgrade progressed through the design and tendering process.
“We need to address the traffic congestion here now, while working towards the permanent solution,” he said.
