The works ministry has confirmed elements of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK) shall be widened with further lanes starting this yr, NST experiences. This comes after the federal government agreed to the proposal put forth final yr, which included the development of a brand new tunnel at Genting Sempah.
Based on deputy works minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, the concessionaire for the KLK, ANIH, is predicted to start works within the third quarter of this yr after the design for the RM2.1 billion challenge is finalised.
“The works ministry has authorized the proposal to widen the KLK which shall be carried out by ANIH Bhd and the challenge is predicted to be accomplished in 2026. The 45.three km stretch between the Gombak toll plaza and the Mempaga intersection (Central Backbone Highway) in Bentong shall be widened,” stated Abdul Rahman.
Intimately, the stretch between the Gombak toll plaza and Bukit Tinggi shall be widened from the present three lanes to 4 lanes on either side, whereas the 2 lanes between Bukit Tinggi and the Bentong toll plaza shall be expanded to 3 lanes.
As for the brand new tunnel at Genting Sempah, will probably be constructed subsequent to the eastbound tunnel from Pahang and have two lanes. The job scope may also embody new avenue lights be put in alongside the freeway.
Abdul Rahman stated these initiatives are supposed to make the KLK extra snug, quick and environment friendly for highway customers, in addition to addressing the problem of congestion, particularly throughout festive seasons, public holidays and weekends.
“The ministry is conscious of the complaints by the individuals who must spend lengthy hours on the highway to return to their respective hometowns throughout the festive season. Extreme site visitors congestion typically happens throughout peak hours main as much as festivals, public holidays and weekends. With the intention to present comfort to the general public, particularly motorists who regularly use the stretch, the federal government sees the highway widening works as an effort to offer consolation to the individuals sooner or later,” he stated.