West Coast Expressway Expects 35% Traffic Surge for CNY

The West Coast Expressway (WCE) is preparing for a sharp rise in traffic during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, with daily vehicle volume expected to reach 160,000, marking a 35% increase compared to last year.

Its managing director Lyndon Alfred Felix said the highway recorded an average of 120,000 vehicles per day during the same festive week in 2025. This year’s projected surge is driven by school holidays and the start of Ramadan, which coincides with the Chinese New Year celebrations and is expected to intensify interstate travel.
"The expressway has evolved beyond being merely an alternative route. He noted that WCE now plays a crucial role in easing congestion along the west coast corridor, especially during peak festive seasons

"To support the expected increase in traffic, several operational measures have been put in place. Spare lanes at key toll plazas, including Hutan Melintang, Teluk Intan, Lekir and Taiping Selatan, have been activated to improve toll transaction efficiency during peak hours," he said during the launch of the Road Safety Awareness Campaign recently.

The Traffic Control Centre will operate 24 hours daily, supported by traffic officers and patrol personnel to monitor conditions and respond quickly to emergencies.

In line with the Green Mobility initiative, WCE has also expanded its electric vehicle charging infrastructure. High-capacity charging stations, installed in collaboration with DC Handal, are now available at the Trong and Taiping Selatan toll plazas in Perak, as well as at SAE and Assam Jawa in Selangor.
Motorcyclist safety remains a priority, with 52 sheltered zones equipped with solar lighting positioned away from the main carriageway, providing safer rest areas for riders. With traffic expected to peak throughout the festive window, motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully and anticipate heavier-than-usual conditions along the expressway.