SICHUAN, China: A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas completed a technical study visit to the Yakang Expressway in Sichuan, China, to explore engineering methods that could support future road development in the state’s challenging terrain.

The delegation comprised officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak, with the visit facilitated by Shudao Group, operator of the expressway.

The 135-kilometre Yakang Expressway, connecting Ya’an City and Kangding, rises nearly 2,000 metres through steep valleys and seismic zones.

With an 82 per cent bridge-to-tunnel ratio, it is regarded as the ‘Mount Everest of Highway Construction’ for the complex geological and environmental challenges involved.

Uggah said that the experience offered valuable insights into sustainable road and tunnel development that preserves the environment while enhancing transport safety.

“The Yakang Expressway shows how modern engineering can coexist with nature. Roads and tunnels are built seamlessly into the mountains while preserving the ecological landscape.

“This aligns with our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 agenda and is a model we aim to adopt in Sarawak,” he said.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on operational management, maintenance and real-time monitoring systems for traffic, weather and tunnel safety at the Tianquan Service Area, which also houses a museum showcasing Sichuan’s road development history since 1921.

The team also toured key structures along the expressway, including the 13.4-kilometre Erlangshan Tunnel which is built through multiple seismic fault zones, cutting travel time across Mount Erlang from almost a day to just 15 minutes.

They further observed the Labahe Tunnel Group and the Luding Da Du He Xing Kang Bridge, a 1,100-metre suspension bridge linking previously isolated areas.

Uggah said that the visit strengthened Sarawak’s understanding of how to build highways in mountainous and environmentally sensitive areas while prioritising sustainability and technology adoption.

“We can learn from China’s approach to balancing development with ecological protection.

“Sarawak’s future infrastructure projects, including highways, tunnels and bridges should reflect these same principles,” he added.

The study supports PCDS 2030, which places infrastructure connectivity as a key enabler of economic growth and regional equity.

Uggah said that the state’s goal was to ensure road access from the coast to the interior remains environmentally responsible.

“Our vision under PCDS 2030 is to enhance accessibility across Sarawak without compromising our environment.

“The Yakang Expressway demonstrates that it is possible to build efficiently and responsibly,” he concluded.

The delegation included Deputy Ministers, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo and Datuk Majang Renggi, MIPD Permanent Secretary, Datuk Chiew Chee Yaw, and PWD Director, Datuk Ir Dr Cassidy Morris, along with senior officials.