KUCHING, Nov 1 — The travelling distance between Sri Aman and Betong has been cut from about 73km to 28km, while the journey now takes just 25 minutes instead of an hour, following the opening of Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 and Jalan Lidong today.

The new route provides motorists with a shorter and more direct connection between the two towns, improving accessibility for communities along the way.

The 870-metre Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2, which opened at 3.30pm, is part of Package B3 of the Sarawak Second Trunk Road (STR).

The bridge is also a new landmark for Sri Aman, featuring a 145.5-metre-high cable-stayed tower, the tallest of its kind in Malaysia.

According to the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, the bridge was built to JKR R5 standards, with provision for a dual carriageway.

It also has a navigation clearance of 200 metres in width and 23 metres in height.

The opening of Jalan Lidong completes the road connection from Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 to the Betong interchange on the Pan Borneo Highway.

The 27.84km project involved constructing a two-lane paved road and upgrading existing roads from JKR R3 to JKR R5 standards, as well as building two bridges.

It also included about 2,355 metres of bridge access roads, roadside drainage systems, road furniture and safety barriers.

JKR said the improved route would provide better road conditions and greater convenience for motorists, while improving access for communities along Jalan Lidong, including longhouse and village residents.

The shorter connection is also expected to facilitate the movement of people and goods, lower logistics costs for businesses and stimulate economic activities in surrounding areas.

It could also create opportunities for investment, commercial development and ecotourism, while providing local communities with greater income-generation prospects.

JKR said the two infrastructure projects would strengthen connectivity between Sri Aman and Betong and improve access to rural communities along the route. — The Borneo Post