State’s future tourism draw
Batang Lupar Bridge 2 also touted as nation’s tallest cable-stayed bridge
SRI AMAN: The Batang Lupar Bridge 2 here is poised to become another tourist a raction in Sarawak, upon its completion in July next year.
The structure, costing RM223.6 million, is also touted to become the nation’s tallest cable-stayed bridge, with a height of 145.5m, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“It (progress of works) is 42.65 per cent ahead of schedule, but I hope it could be completed before June 2025 – then, it would be a great Gawai gi to the people.
“So I hope the JKR (Public Works Department) Sarawak could facilitate this together with the contractor,” he said when met at the construction site office a er witnessing the installation of the bridge’s first stay cable yesterday.
It is informed that the bridge will have a navigational clearance of 200m by 23m, for its elevation.
Adding on, Uggah said there would also be a car park and a mini rest-and-recreation area at the Batang Lupar Bridge 2 for visitors, as requested by the elected representatives in the division.
A quick check via the Internet indicates that this bridge is located at Kampung Hilir, in the heart of the town.
Later on, Uggah performed the earth-breaking ceremony for a new stretch from Kejatu road junction to the Batang Lupar Bridge 2.
He said this RM154.8-million link would bypass the town area to the bridge, with it being expected to be ready by August 2026.
“But I want the JKR and the contractor to look at an early date to coincide with the completion of the Batang Lupar Bridge 2. We would want a situation where the bridge is ready, and so is this road,” he added.
On another development, Uggah told reporters that the completion of the new Sri AmanBetong Highway, part of the Second Trunk Road, starting from the bridge, would open up vast areas between the two divisions for agriculture and other economic activities.
The 27.82km highway would facilitate and encourage greater traffic volume between the two towns and also to other parts of the state, he added.
Uggah also pointed out that it would shorten travelling time between Sri Aman and Betong to about 20 minutes, much less from the current one hour via the Pan Borneo Highway, for a distance of 75km.
The state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development also said that the JKR would monitor the construction of both the bridge and the road very closely, to ensure that these projects would reach completion on schedule, or even earlier.
“We will also monitor the construction of many other road projects that have been approved by the Sri Aman Development Agency, or Sada.”
Joining Uggah yesterday were the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau, JKR Sarawak director Datu Richard Tajam, Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang and Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor.
Also present were Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Sophia Doris Brodie and Sada chairperson Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
It (progress of works) is 42.65 per cent ahead of schedule, but I hope it could be completed before June 2025 – then, it would be a great Gawai gi to the people. So I hope the JKR (Public Works Department) Sarawak could facilitate this together with the contractor.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas