KOTA KINABALU: The Pan Borneo Highway in the east coast district of Lahad Datu will feature an “earthquake-proof” bridge, according to the Works Ministry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled Monday to launch a 7km stretch of the highway that will also cut the travelling distance between Sandakan and Tawau by 10km.
In a statement, the Works Ministry said the part of the highway involved the construction of a 32m bridge across Sungai Sepagaya.
“This structure will be built taking into account seismic criteria and earthquakes,” the ministry said.
It said that the dual carriageway stretch of the highway would bypass Lahad Datu town, thus easing traffic flow there.
The highway was expected to drive more economic activities in the east coast district.
“It would not only make it easier for farmers to send their produce, such as cocoa and oil palm, to market,” the ministry said.
The highway would also benefit industries within the Lahad Datu Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC).
Among those scheduled to be present at the launch Monday are Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
