Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 opens with Malaysia’s tallest cable-stayed tower, slashing Sri Aman-Betong travel to 25 minutes

On November 1, the Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 opened, serving as Malaysia's tallest cable-stayed tower. The bridge's completion dramatically shortened the distance between Sri Aman and Betong, cutting the route from approximately 73km to a mere 28km. Consequently, the travel time has plummeted from an hour to just 25 minutes, a significant improvement for motorists seeking a shorter and more direct connection between the two towns.

The bridge, spanning 870 meters, stands as a new landmark for Sri Aman, boasting a 145.5-meter-high cable-stayed tower, the highest of its kind in the nation. The bridge adheres to JKR R5 standards and possesses a navigation clearance of 200 meters in width and 23 meters in height. Jalan Lidong, which completes the road link from Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 to the Betong interchange on the Pan Borneo Highway, was constructed concurrently.

The entire 27.84km project involved constructing a two-lane paved road, upgrading existing roads to JKR R5 standards, and building two bridges, 2,355 meters of bridge access roads, roadside drainage systems, road furniture, and safety barriers. The upgraded route promises better road conditions, greater convenience for motorists, and improved access for communities along Jalan Lidong, including longhouse and village residents.

Additionally, the shorter connection is anticipated to facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce logistics costs for businesses, and stimulate economic activities in surrounding areas. The infrastructure projects are expected to strengthen connectivity between Sri Aman and Betong, improve access to rural communities, and open up opportunities for investment, commercial development, and ecotourism, enhancing local communities' income-generation prospects.