Mohamad Fazli says PLUS Malaysia has assured that the initial phase of the project will not involve lane closures nor disrupt traffic flow.
SEVERAL measures have been outlined to minimise traffic disruptions during the construction of additional lanes along the Sedenak to Kulai stretch on the North-South Expressway (NSE).
Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the project was scheduled to start in July 2025 and expected to be completed in June 2027.
“To ensure smooth execution, construction works will be divided into several stages, with separate work zones designated for the north-bound (Kuala Lumpur) and south-bound (Johor Baru) directions,” he said during the Johor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar, Iskandar Puteri.
Mohamad Fazli said a comprehensive implementation plan was drawn up after extensive discussions with the project’s stakeholders, including highway concessionaire PLUS Malaysia, its contractors, the Malaysian Highway Authority and Johor government.
“Alternating work zones with construction divided into smaller sections will be used and temporary emergency stop areas will be set up to promptly address vehicle breakdowns and accidents.
“Smart lanes will be introduced in certain areas to temporarily convert emergency lanes into regular lanes during peak hours or emergencies.
“Newly constructed lanes will be opened progressively to accommodate traffic when necessary,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said PLUS Malaysia had assured that the initial phase of the project, focusing on preparatory work like earthworks and utility relocations, would not involve lane closures nor disrupt traffic flow.
“During this period, the existing four lanes on the highway (two north-bound and two south-bound, along with the emergency lane) will remain operational.
“Heavy machinery and lorries will use alternative routes, such as plantation roads, to access the work sites,” he said.
It was earlier reported the expansion project was divided into three phases and would cost an estimated RM1.94bil in total.
It is an initiative by the Federal Government to widen the existing two lanes to three lanes along part of the Johor stretch of the NSE.
It aims to address congestion at that site, particularly during peak hours and festive seasons.
Phase 1, costing RM525mil, will cover the stretch from Senai (North) to Sedenak.
Phase 2 will span from Sedenak to Simpang Renggam and cost RM931mil, while Phase 3 will cover Simpang Renggam to Machap and cost RM487mil.
