Federal Highway Won’t Be Upgraded, Costs Deemed Too High

Despite worsening congestion, the FT2 Federal Highway will not be widened or upgraded, the Dewan Negara heard today.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the 34.59 KM route linking Kuala Lumpur and Port Klang no longer justifies an upgrade, as land and asset acquisition costs have become prohibitively high. He added that the social impact of such works would also outweigh the benefits.

Traffic figures from 2024 show the FT2 operating at Level of Service F at Census Station BR101, reflecting extremely heavy traffic conditions. This puts it in the same category as parts of the Middle Ring Road 2 (FT28), which is facing similar congestion levels.

Nanta was responding to Senator Tiew Way Keng’s question on the progress of highway and federal road improvements across Selangor.

Rather than expanding FT2, the government is looking at other ways to manage traffic demand, including the possibility of a new highway. Greater reliance on public transport is also expected once the LRT3 line between Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur begins service on Dec 31.

For the 37.58 KM FT28 MRR2 corridor from Kepong to Sri Petaling, Nanta said congestion relief has been addressed through the Sungai Besi–Ulu Kelang Expressway (SUKE). Upgrading MRR2 itself is no longer seen as viable for the same cost and social reasons.

He noted that FT5 Jalan Klang–Sabak Bernam is currently operating well within capacity, with 2024 data showing a Level of Service A at Census Station BR104, meaning no upgrade is required for now.

Nanta also pointed to the West Coast Expressway, due for full completion in 2026, as a potential alternative route that could help divert traffic away from FT5.

He reiterated that any new road or upgrade proposal must originate from the state government and be channelled through the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and relevant technical agencies, before the ministry can consider it, subject to available funding.

Source: MalayMail