New 9km South Access Road to KIA Opens, Expected to Ease Traffic
KUCHING – A new nine-kilometre (km) south access road to the Kuching International Airport (KIA) has officially opened, offering an alternative route for road users and helping to ease congestion along the Kota Samarahan-Kuching corridor.
Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) Director, Ir Dr Cassidy Morris, said the project plays an important role in improving connectivity between Samarahan and Kuching, while also reducing heavy traffic flow on main roads such as the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Serian and Asajaya routes.
“We are opening this road early due to the pressing need to reduce traffic congestion. Although the installation of street lights and road signs is still ongoing, the road is already safe for public use,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony today.
Dr Cassidy also reminded motorists to drive cautiously, especially in the early stages, as there are new junctions and bridges that demand extra attention.
He added that JKR will carry out a traffic impact study next week to evaluate how the new road affects vehicle flow in the surrounding areas.
“The number of vehicles that can be shifted away from the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway has not been finalised, but given that it is the busiest route in Sarawak, this alternative road will help. Together with other projects, such as the Batang Samarahan-Tanjung Bako road expected to be completed next year, traffic pressure can be reduced significantly,” he explained.
The RM112.9 million project began in 2021 and faced several challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, before reaching completion.
Among those present at the ceremony were Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, Kuching South City Council Mayor (MBKS) Dato Wee Hong Seng, and other invited guests.
With the opening of this new access road, residents and daily commuters are expected to benefit from smoother travel and shorter journey times between Samarahan and Kuching. — UKAS EDITION