Works Minister: Tapah Smoother Now, WISE to Offer Alternative to Menora

Phase one of the one-way traffic dispersal project in Tapah town has been completed at the cost of RM2.2 million allocated by the Works Ministry (KKR).

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who visited the site (FT001) recently to observe the traffic flow said, “We came to see the completed works and to ensure the road is safe and comfortable for users.” 

He further added, “I drove through it with the district engineer, and it was smooth. We also had a meeting earlier at the district JKR office to discuss further improvements.”

Also present during the visit were KKR Sec-Gen Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim, Deputy Sec-Gen (Policy and Development) Datuk Mohd Sakeri Abdul Kadir, Deputy Director-General (Infra Sector) Mohd Shahrom Ahmad Saman, Chenderiang assemblyman Choong Shin Heng and Ayer Kuning assemblyman Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir.

The improvement works started on April 7 and were expected to be completed within three weeks, as previously announced by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Nanta also said the ministry will study a proposal to widen the Sungai Batang Padang Bridge as a longer-term upgrade to improve traffic flow.

“The proposal has been received. But since it’s a state matter, we’ll wait for it to be prioritised before applying for approval from the Economy Ministry,” he said. “Adding one more lane could cost around RM15 million. We’ll look into how to fund it.”

As for the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE), Nanta said the approval letter has been given to the developer, who must now begin works as scheduled.

The 60km WISE highway will connect Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar and serve as an alternative to the Menora Tunnel route. It will have three lanes in both directions, passing through Batu Gajah, Siputeh, Manong, Tronoh, Beko, and Seri Iskandar.

Source: BERNAMA