KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — The newly opened Sri Damansara Link (SDL) of the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway Phase 2 (DUKE 2) will alleviate congestion for its 30,000 daily users.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the link is the much-awaited solution for the infamous congestions at the Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) intersections and the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP).

“The congestion in this particular area is known to be bad. Travelling through SDL will shorten the journey and save time and money,” Fadillah said at a press conference after declaring open the link at the Segambut toll plaza yesterday.

“It is also an alternative for motorists from Sri Damansara, Rawang, Kepong and Sungai Buloh to get into the city.”

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The 7.4km link is operational less than a month after DUKE 2’s first phase — the Tun Razak Link — was completed on Sept 28.

The RM1.183 billion project is mostly elevated and connected to the existing DUKE alignment.

Fadillah said the link’s construction was carefully planned and included the expansion of Jalan Lang Emas and Jalan Taman Bukit Maluri in Segambut to ease traffic dispersal.

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“The roads under the Segambut toll passageway were expanded from four to six lanes to ensure the existing traffic situation is not aggravated,” he said.

Fadillah said the Sri Damansara Link is unique because it offers the first “Park and Ride” service to connect motorists to train services.

The 7.4km link opens today with toll-free travel until Nov 22. — Picture by Bernama
The 7.4km link opens today with toll-free travel until Nov 22. — Picture by Bernama

“Motorists will be able to park at the two-storey carpark in Segambut and walk to a KTM Komuter station just 200m away which will be ready in two years,” he said.

Fadillah said the Segambut Rest and Service Area (Segar) is also an interesting addition that separates DUKE 2 from other expressways.

“Segar incorporates a toll plaza, parking facilities, commercial space, an elevated interchange and the upcoming train station,” he said.

“It has 300 parking lots and has the potential to be expanded to 4,000 lots in the future.”

In conjunction with the launch, travel on the link is toll-free until Nov 22.

Fadillah said the project showed Malaysia’s capability of competing with the best.

“We succeeded in completing a people-centric and efficient project. This shows we have the financial and professional abilities to shine in the eyes of the world,” he said.

He cited the recent WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 competition which he attended, and where two Malaysians won bronze medals and nine others received medallions of excellence. WorldSkills is a global hub for skills excellence and development.

“We are an able and talented society,” Fadillah said.