SEBUYAU: The new Batang Lupar Bridge here stretching about 5.1 kilometres long will be constructed swerving next to the Triso Island.
Infrastructure and Ports Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the bridge project, which will connect Sebuyau in Samarahan to Triso-Maludam-Pusa in Betong passing through the Batang Lupar, is conducted in two different contracts.
“The ground works has already started in 2019 by the responsible contractor after they were awarded the contract to construct the approach road from the bridge to the main road.
“However, the construction for the bridge will be done by a different contractor,” he told reporters during his work visit to monitor the project site of Batang Lupar Bridge here today (Jan 10).
He said the completion of the bridge will not only replace the ferry services by 2025 but might also become a tourist attraction with the Triso Island located next to the bridge.
Julaihi who is also the Sebuyau assemblyman further said the bridge project which amounts to RM848 million will be the longest river-crossing bridge in Sarawak and even in Malaysia.
He also mentioned that there will be an interchange (road) constructed near the bridgehead in Sebuyau with each route directs to the bridge, Sebuyau, Lingga and Asajaya.
Meanwhile at the other bridgehead across the river, the interchange will have routes to the bridge, Pusa/Sibu and the existing Triso Ferry crossing point.
The project which is fully borne by the Sarawak government is expected to reach completion within 48 months period.
Batang Lupar Bridge is among the nine bridge projects across the state planned by the state government to link up the whole coastal road connectivity.
Other bridges are at Batang Rajang, Batang Paloh, Muara Lassa, Rambungan, Batang Kemena, Sungai Krian, Batang Saribas and Batang Igan.
Julaihi also disclosed that there is another ongoing bridge project namely 870-metre long Second Batang Lupar Bridge in Sri Aman worth over RM200 million.
