Proposal to turn 13-km road stretch into 4-lane carriageway

A 13-km stretch of road between Sungai Nyelong Bridge in Sarikei and the Red Bridge in Bintangor has been proposed for upgrading into a four-lane carriageway.

Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the proposal by the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) also includes the construction of two new bridges along the route.

He said the upgrading works will cover the existing two-lane road, together with the installation of necessary road furniture.

“The estimated project cost can only be determined upon completion of the detailed design and cost estimates by PWD, which has been appointed as the implementing agency for the proposed project,” he said.

He was responding to Datuk Huang Tiong Sii (GPS-Sarikei) during question and answer session on Tuesday (Oct 13).

On the existing Sungai Nyelong Bridge, also known as Meranti Bridge, Penguang said it was constructed by Sarawak PWD and handed over to the Sarikei District Council in 2008.

Since then, the bridge, Jalan Meranti and its associated road furniture have been registered under the council’s Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS).

He said the council currently has no immediate plans to upgrade or widen the existing bridge.

However, regular maintenance works will continue, particularly those that do not involve major structural repairs.