Sabah to upgrade SICC-Menera Kinabalu stretch, ditch permanent bridge plan

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 26 — The State Government of Sabah has announced plans to overhaul the entire stretch connecting the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) to Menara Kinabalu, rendering the permanent bridge at Tanjung Lipat obsolete. Deputy Chief Minister and State Works and Utilities Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, addressed inquiries about potential repairs to the bridge, stating that no such plans exist.

The bridge, situated at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, km 2.85 along Likas Bay, was taken out of service due to safety concerns and was replaced by a temporary Bailey bridge, which became operational several weeks later. The temporary bridge, while functional, imposes weight restrictions due to safety considerations for heavier vehicles.

Dr. Gunsalam emphasized that the authorities are focused on upgrading the road stretch rather than constructing a permanent bridge at this time. Regarding a dispute over warning markers near SICC and Hakka Hall, which have been struck by vehicles, Dr. Gunsalam clarified that these markers are intended to inform drivers with excessively tall or heavy vehicles to avoid using the road.

Masrul Guding, a representative of roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) trailer operators, expressed reservations about the alternative route, stating that it is impractical and hazardous for vehicles exceeding 22 meters in length, thereby impeding the delivery of new vehicles from Kota Kinabalu Port.