Jln Semaba traffic woes may be resolved with new traffic lights

KUCHING: The problem of traffic jams along Jalan Semaba during peak hours could be a thing of the past with a proposed traffic light system at the T-junction to Jalan Stephen Yong.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said a plan to improve the junction and construct a traffic light system there would start at the end of next month and are expected to be completed before the end of September.

The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman said the RM650,000 project is important to Kampung Semaba folk as there is a lot of traffic along Jalan Semaba every day.

“There are about 1,500 people staying in Kampung Semaba while the road users include outsiders, who usually make a short cut to Mile 7 through the same road.

“The traffic light is important because it can help control the traffic flows during peak hours. There is only one road going to Jalan Stephen Yong from Kampung Semaba, while Jalan Stephen Yong is very congested during peak hours, which always causes a traffic jam along the road as the motorists using Jalan Semaba have difficulty coming out,” he told reporters during a site visit yesterday.

Lo said the community at Kampung Semaba had requested for a traffic light system for some time.

“I would like to thank the Sarawak government, especially the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg), for approving this project; yet another project for Batu Kitang constituency.

“I also thank the Chief Minister for approving RM2.7 million for the implementation of the street lighting project in Batu Kitang – from Haji Baki to Kampung Bunga Rampai and from Jalan Stephen Yong to the T-junction of Kampung Bumbok.

“This project was implemented and completed last year,” he said.

Lo said RM200,000 had also be approved for the widening of a queuing lane next to Lorong 1 Jalan Batu Kitang.

He said the road widening project, upon completion, would facilitate traffic flow along the stretch.