Tabuan Tranquility Traffic Lights in Operation

UGGAH switches on the traffic ligh system at the Tabuan Tranquility Intersection

KUCHING: The construction progress of the traffic light intersections along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway is proceeding smoothly and will be completed by the end of the year.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah gave the assurance after he officiated at the opening of the traffic light intersection at Tabuan Tranquillity which is now operational and open to the public.

“We are converting the five roundabouts here into traffic light intersections for smoother traffic both ways.

“I have been told works on the four others are proceeding smoothly and will be ready by year end.

“I am confident of the contractor’s capability to accomplish this,” he said, adding that it was the regional government’s target for the four traffic light intersections to be completed as scheduled on Jan 10 next year.

Uggah was also satisfied with the progress and the completion of the first traffic light intersection at Tabuan Tranquility.

“The completion of the first intersection signifies a positive development and I have witnessed it myself this morning in assisting a smoother traffic flow.

“Those who use the road daily are eagerly awaiting this and the completion of the other four.

“I know in the last few days, the traffic volume along this road has been heavy leading to very bad traffic jams,” he said.

Uggah said the horrendous traffic was caused by the closure of some roads to facilitate the upgrading process.

He thanked road users for their patience with the ongoing works.

“The public understands that we are in the midst of constructing the other four intersections, hence there will be a lot of disruptions and inconveniences.

“These are inevitable and we are sorry, but please continue to bear with us. We will do our best to manage the flow of traffic,” appealed Uggah.

The whole upgrading package costing RM72.7 million has been awarded to a rescue contractor after the first contractor failed to perform as expected.

The contract was awarded on Oct 11 last year.

Also present at the ceremony were permanent secretary to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Chiew Chee Yau, Public Works Department (PWD) director Richard Tajan and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Datuk Peter Minos.