Malaysia’s longest river-crossing bridge opens

 Construction of the Batang Lupar No 1 Bridge in Sarawak began in March 2021

The Batang Lupar No 1 Bridge is part of Sarawak’s broader infrastructure transformation under the Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Road Programme. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The 4.8km Batang Lupar No 1 Bridge in Sarawak officially opened to traffic today, making it the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia.

The title was previously held by the 1.7km-long Sungai Johor Bridge.

Construction of the bridge linking Sebuyau and Maludam began in March 2021, reported The Borneo Post.

The new bridge is part of Sarawak’s broader infrastructure transformation under the Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Road Programme, which aims to improve connectivity between coastal areas and major towns.

The RM848.75 million project was undertaken by a joint venture between Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pansar Bhd, and China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co Ltd.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg told the state legislative assembly yesterday that the bridge would significantly ease travel for the people by eliminating long waits for the ferry service.

“With this bridge, the people can return to their hometowns easily for the Hari Raya Haji and Gawai Dayak celebrations. There will no longer be any need to wait for the ferry,” he said.

The Sebuyau-Triso ferry service has been phased out since the bridge is now open to traffic, ending decades of reliance on ferry crossings for residents and motorists travelling between the coastal areas. - FMT