KUCHING: The construction of the traffic light intersection at Roundabout 4, one of the projects to convert the five roundabouts along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway into traffic light intersections, is nearly complete.
Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the traffic light system is now being tested before it can be used.
“Today, we have been briefed that the traffic light system at Roundabout 4 is nearly complete.
“Now, they are still looking at whether it can be used or otherwise. And in a matter of time, we will make the announcement when the traffic light will be operational,” he said.
Uggah said this after inspecting the progress of the project which was streamed live on Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng’s Facebook page today morning (Jan 10).
The Deputy Premier also said with the completion of the traffic light project, it is hoped that the traffic jam faced by the people in the area will be reduced.
“Our objective to implement this project for the five roundabouts from Kota Samarahan to Kuching is to facilitate the traffic flow to reduce traffic jams.
“This is because every year, our cars increase in volume, and as a result, the road has to be upgraded to be able to cope with the increasing number of vehicles,” he pointed out.
Following the completion of the traffic light project at Roundabout 4, Uggah said next will be to study how to manage the traffic at Roundabout 5.
“We are going to do the Roundabout 5, and we have learned from Roundabout 4 on all the issues, and we hope by knowing the issues, we will do preemptive measures at around Roundabout 5 to reduce the traffic jams,” he said.
At the same time, Uggah pleaded to citizens of Kuching to be patient as the necessary work is being carried out.
“We can see that work is going well but while the work is in progress, inevitably it will cause disruption to the traffic.
“But the management will try our best to see that it is being managed so that it will reduce your inconvenience.
“So bear with us. We hope that in the next few months, the situation will be improved,” he said.
Meanwhile, also present were Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos and Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak officers.
