KUCHING: The upgrading of the 9.43-km road from Batang Sadong Bridge to Kampung Sabun is timely.
This because it will better serve not just people in Simunjan and Sebuyau areas, but also those from Samarahan who commute for work purposes and socio-economic activities.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development said the stretch of road is being upgraded to JKR R3 standard two-lane single carriageway.
It said the upgrade will be carried out using what is called ‘Cold in Situ Pavement Recycling (CIPR) Technology’, a pavement rehabilitation technique in which existing pavement materials are reused as base layer. The materials are mixed in-place without the application of heat. Stabilising agents are mixed with the materials to strengthen the pavement. The recycled material is compacted and a wearing course is laid on top of the completed base course to provide a smooth riding surface.
Although the cost of the CIPR Technology is higher, it is a better construction method compared to conventional road construction. Based on the project brief and construction work site, the road will be of better quality compared to others using existing construction method.
“Furthermore, we can opt to get aggregate from local quarries to possibly bring the cost down. Currently, the road sub-base is being prepared and geotextile is being put in place.
“Once testing has been performed and the prime seal finish surface is done, the final dressing follows with surface dressings performed in accordance with the specification,” it said in a recent statement.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing noted that the use of CIPR locally is new so it is considered a pilot project by the ministry for road construction in peat soil areas.
“Another pilot project on mineral soil using CIPR technology by the same company is in Ulu Suai Road of 19km. It is almost completed,” he said.
At the same time, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira stated that if the technology is proven, roads quality and sustainability can be improved.
“Perhaps the government can further explore this technology as an option for the future,” he said.
The project engineer from Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd gave a briefing to Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi when he came to visit the site.
Also present during the visit were Gira, engineers from JKR and other government officers.
