LIPIS: Motorists travelling between Pahang and Kelantan, as well as residents here, now enjoy faster and more comfortable connectivity following the official opening of a new 11.7km stretch of the Central Spine Road (LTU) project today.
The opening ceremony was jointly officiated by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Nanta said the 11.7km stretch comprises three main routes, led by the 6.95 km LTU Section 3J from Kampung Seberang Jelai to Kampung Relong, built at a cost of RM339.7 million to JKR R5 four-lane, dual-carriageway standards.
Also opened are the 3.55km Kechau Link Road, running from the Kechau Interchange to Section 3J, and the 1.2 km Link Road 4A, connecting Interchange 4A to the exit ramp.
“The project also involved the construction of five bridges, two vehicular box culverts (VBCs), the installation of street lighting and utility relocation works to ensure user safety and comfort.
“The main Kelantan-Pahang network, LTU, is a 299.4 km toll-free highway connecting Kuala Krai in Kelantan to the East Coast Expressway (LPT) Interchange in Pahang at a total cost of about RM7.7 billion,” he said.
He said the Pahang alignment spans 169.1 km and is divided into 15 sections.
“Of this total, 13 sections spanning 136.8 km have been completed in phases since 2013 and opened to the public.
“The remaining two, namely Section 4B (Ladang Jerkoh to Sega Lama) and Section (Sertik to the LPT Interchange), are still under construction,” he said.
Nanta said the completion of Section 3J follows the opening of Section 5A (Raub Bypass) in 2024 and will serve as a key alternative to Federal Route FT08, easing congestion, cutting travel time and fuel costs, and spurring local economic activity.
Touching on contractor commitment and maintenance, he described the project’s completion as a meaningful achievement for the main contractor in overcoming various challenges, including a sharp rise in building material prices caused by global economic uncertainty following conflict in the Middle East.
He said these challenges did not deter the contractor from delivering the project on schedule without compromising quality and safety.