Works Ministry proposes six overtaking lanes for Bintulu-Bakun route

BINTULU (Sept 22): The Malaysian Works Ministry has suggested the creation of six overtaking lanes along the 128.46km federal Bintulu-Bakun highway, or FT803, to enhance safety and traffic flow, stated its minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The proposed overtaking lanes would span a combined distance of approximately 12 kilometers and could cost around RM216 million, according to Linggi, who toured the site at KM49, Jalan Bintulu-Bakun.

The minister noted the route's hilly terrain, tight visibility, and challenges posed by heavy vehicles when considering the proposal. The Bintulu-Bakun highway is significant to over 30 longhouses and villages, as well as offering access to the Sungai Asap, Belaga, Bakun Hydroelectric Dam, and Murum Hydroelectric Dam. Additionally, RM28.1 million has been allocated this year for 12 pavement work orders along 10.8km of the highway, marking the highest annual allocation for the route between 2019 and 2026, which is a 91% increase from the RM14.7 million allocated in the previous year.

Several work sites have been inspected under the 2026 work orders, including road base top-up, Cold In-Place Recycling (CIPR), and resurfacing works. The Works Ministry plans to approve a total of RM66.72 million between 2019 and 2026 for 35 work orders covering approximately 27km of the highway. However, the minister emphasized that these improvements will only be impactful if people experience safer roads, more comfortable journeys, and better connectivity along the Bintulu-Bakun route.