Narrow Batu 14 bridge in Batu Kurau to be upgraded

THE narrow Batu 14 bridge in Batu Kurau will be upgraded by 2026, says Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

The Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman said the upgrading was estimated to cost RM16mil.

He said the Public Works Department (JKR) had made an application to the government for the project.

“Construction will be carried out based on priority and approval of allocations under the state government’s Development Allocation Plan programme presented on Aug 10.

“Preliminary work including a survey is completed, and the department will carry out land investigations next year, followed by design works.

“The project is expected to start in 2026 by the latest,” he said in reply to a question from Datuk Mohd Najmuddin Elias (PN-Batu Kurau).

Mohd Najmuddin wanted to know the application status for the construction of a bridge at Batu 14, Batu Kurau.

The current narrow bridge is dangerous for motorists to use.

Mohammad Nizar said the state government was prioritising several bridges in need of urgent and immediate attention.

“All bridges that are narrow, old and dilapidated will be looked into first,” he said in reply to a question from Najihatussalehah Ahmad (PN-Bota).

Najihatussalehah had brought up the condition of a bridge from Bota Kanan heading to Bota Kiri which required attention as several fatal accidents had occurred there.

Mohammad Nizar, however, said the accidents were not due to the bridge design but a result of potholes.

“I will request JKR to look into the matter, and take necessary measures,” he added.