SRI AMAN, July 2: The Batang Lupar 2 Bridge project has reached 91 percent physical completion and is expected to open to the public by the end of August 2026, serving as a catalyst to strengthen Sarawak's coastal road network.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, stated that the final structural connection of the bridge has been successfully completed, leaving only finishing works before it can be utilized by the public.

He expressed the Sarawak government's confidence that the opening target would be met based on current progress, emphasizing that it is a promise made to the people.

"We are confident that, according to the work plan, this bridge will be open to the public by the end of August. It must be completed. This is our promise to the people here," he said.

He told reporters this after officiating the final structural connection ceremony for the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge here today.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development), Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, and Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) Director, Datu Dr. Cassidy Morris.

Uggah noted that the opening of the 870-meter bridge will transform connectivity between Sri Aman and Betong by shortening the travel distance from 73 kilometers to approximately 37 kilometers. This will drastically reduce travel time from about one hour and 30 minutes to just around 10 minutes.

He added that motorists traveling from Kuching to Sibu will also enjoy a shorter travel time of about four hours compared to five hours previously, once the entire road network is fully completed.

According to him, the project will open up access to areas that were previously isolated from mainstream development, thereby boosting economic activities, coastal area development, and strengthening connectivity through the construction of the Coastal Road and the Second Trunk Road across Sarawak.

For the record, the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge construction project was originally scheduled to begin in June 2020 but its implementation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite facing various challenges, including logistics issues in sourcing construction materials and labor, the project—valued at over RM223 million—finally commenced full construction in 2022.