KOTA KINABALU: Construction of the Kota Kinabalu Outer Ring Road has reached 80% completion.
The RM915.37 million project spans 41.7 kilometres from Putatan to Berungis in Tuaran.
Sabah Public Works Department Pan Borneo Highway Sector assistant director Ahmad Nazrul Madri confirmed the progress during a site visit today.
He stated the road is scheduled for full completion in March next year.
“Motorists from the East Coast and north of Sabah can also use this new route to enter Kota Kinabalu,“ he said during the briefing.
Construction began in December 2019 under work packages six, seven and eight.
Selected sections have already opened to the public to alleviate traffic congestion.
Ahmad Nazrul projected 30% of motorists will use the highway from Ketiau to Tuaran, bypassing the city centre.
The project scope includes a 19.6 kilometre two-lane double carriageway from Putatan-Kionsom Inanam.
It also features a 2.1 kilometre Spur Road to Bukit Padang connection.
Infrastructure development includes five new bridges and four new elevated interchanges.
Four elevated U-turns along Jalan Kota Kinabalu-Sindumin are also part of the construction.
The highway will connect Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park with Lokkawi industrial areas.
Economic spillover for tourism is anticipated with Bukit Kokol gaining road network access.
To address flooding, contractors will install vehicle box culverts in the Kolopis area.
Ahmad Nazrul explained this measure will accelerate floodwater dispersal.
“This effort will help so that floodwaters won’t remain for too long and stop the occurrence of standing waters,“ he added. – Bernama
