The Bintulu-Jepak Bridge that is nearing completion.
THE Bintulu-Jepak Bridge project, which spans Sungai Kemena, is expected to be completed in February next year.
It will connect Sarawak’s coastal areas, stretching from Sematan to Miri, via the main road.
The RM466mil bridge is funded by Sarawak government.
Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) acting director Wisil Lichok said the project was 92% completed and Bintulu residents could expect to use the new bridge after Chinese New Year.
“This Bintulu-Jepak Bridge will shorten the coastal route from Bintulu Airport to Bintulu town to 6.4km compared to the current 22km via the Bintulu-Sibu Road.
“Additionally, the nearby recently built Bintulu Divisional Administrative Centre, will facilitate development in Jepak area.
“It will offer more efficient services for over 260,000 Bintulu residents.
“This centre will be an investment catalyst for Tanjung Kidurong and Samalaju Industrial Park,” he said in an interview with TV Sarawak.
Wisil said the project was part of the Sarawak Coastal Road Network Programme, aimed at strengthening access, improving infrastructure and supporting socioeconomic activities along the coastal region.
Despite construction delays during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to labour shortages and increased material costs, Wisil said Sarawak JKR was committed to completing projects on schedule without compromising on quality.
He said Sarawak JKR was pleased with the contractor’s quality of work and progress was ahead of the time line.
“To address critical construction needs, contractors have increased their workforce and added machinery.
“In addition, the Sarawak government’s Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 7.0 initiative introduced a price variation clause in work contracts, helping contractors manage rising material costs.
“The government is also expediting permits for foreign workers to address the domestic labour shortage,” he added.
