KUCHING: Rehabilitation of the 43.2km Miri-Marudi Road is ahead of schedule and road users can expect a smooth journey ahead of the forthcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations.
Works are now in final stages and the key focus is to ensure that it meets or exceeds the applicable road safety standards.
“As of Jan 25, upgrading of the road is almost three per cent ahead of its original 30-month schedule, with more than 98 per cent of the road rehabilitation complete,” said Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) in a press statement yesterday.
“Road users can now expect a smooth journey ahead of the forthcoming CNY celebrations when traffic is anticipated to increase as residents from both Miri and Marudi balik kampung,” it added.
CMSB group chief executive officer for operations Goh Chii Bing said: “January has been a milestone month for the Miri-Marudi Road rehabilitation project with the premix surfacing complete.
“At the start of the project, we made a commitment that the road would be completely premixed before CNY 2019 and we have delivered on that promise,” he added.
He said CMSB was proud of the efficiency and steadfastness of the CMS Road team to reach this stage of the upgrading ahead of schedule; it was a herculean achievement given the many challenges along the way.
According to Goh, CMS Roads Sdn Bhd (CMS Roads) had to overcome various obstacles such as adverse weather conditions, including flash floods and rough terrain in rehabilitating the stretch of road.
As the project’s conclusion date drew near, and recognising recent media reports, he assured the general public that CMS Roads would continue to work with the Public Works Department (JKR) on additional safety features, including signages, warning motorists about speed limits and potential hazards.
On the same note, he also advised road users to take extra precautions when navigating stretches of the road that were particularly narrow or winding.
Works on the remaining installation of guardrails, painting of road lines and turfing works are expected to be completed by the end of February.
