KL-Karak Highway Widening, Third Genting Sempah Tunnel Construction Completed 2029, Earlier Than Scheduled

GOMBAK: The Kuala Lumpur-Karak (KLK) Highway Widening Project as well as the Third Genting Sempah Tunnel Construction worth RM2.1 billion are targeted to be fully completed in 2029.

Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it involves widening from three to four lanes from the Gombak Toll Plaza to Genting Sempah, as well as from two to three lanes from Genting Sempah to Kilometer 64.5 at the Mempaga Intersection, Bentong along 45.3km.

He said, physical works have commenced on March 9 in line with the construction commencement date (CCD) approved by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).

“In our contract with the concession company, Kumpulan AFA, it is expected to be completed in four years, which is 2030… but just now we were given assurance by AFA that it can be completed in 2029. That is very encouraging because it is ‘ahead of time’.

“We know how important this project is for us to address congestion issues as well as the safety and comfort of road users between the Klang Valley and the East Coast,” he said when officiating the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Third Tunnel and KLK Highway Widening Project here, today.

Also present were Kumpulan AFA Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Azmil Khalid and LLM Chairman, Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.

Meanwhile, Alexander said the new tunnel, 999 metres long, will be built at Genting Sempah using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).

“This new tunnel will operate together with the Westbound Tunnel which opened in 1978 and the Eastbound Tunnel which opened in 1996.

“With the completion of this project later, it will certainly help accommodate the increase in traffic on this highway which records an average of more than 135,000 vehicles per day now, compared to around 41,000 vehicles in 1997,” he said.

Berita Harian