Johor finalises details for the Southern West Coast Expressway, aiming to reduce PLUS Highway congestion by 27% with 13 proposed interchanges
JOHOR BAHRU: Details for the Southern section of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) are being finalised for submission to the federal government in April.
State Executive Councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said this will determine the project’s timeline and procurement process.
He confirmed the project’s feasibility study was completed last December through engagement between the Works Ministry and the state government.
“If there are no issues, the southern section of the WCE will be completed within 48 months once the necessary processes are finalised,” he stated.
The state government has proposed 13 interchanges along the 153.3-kilometre route to boost the local economy.
Based on priority, he suggested building seven interchanges first, including Sungai Terap in Muar, Parit Sulong in Batu Pahat and Pekan Nenas in Pontian.
The highway will connect Banting in Selangor via Negeri Sembilan and Melaka to the Second Link Highway in Gelang Patah.
It is designed to offer motorists a quicker and more efficient alternative to the North-South Expressway (PLUS).
Mohamad Fazli said the WCE will expand access to Johor’s west coast and help divert about 27% of traffic from PLUS.
This amounts to approximately 35,000 vehicles daily that enter and exit PLUS, particularly during peak travel seasons.
