A SHORTCUT from Federal Route 1 (FT001) to Federal Route 59 (FT 59) has been approved by the state government to help alleviate traffic congestion in Tapah.
Perak infrastructure, energy, water and public transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the project, costing about RM16.5mil, would be implemented by the state Public Works Department.
“The project is expected to be executed next month.
“The scope of the project includes building a new 300m dual-carriageway road between FT001 and FT59,” he said when replying to Choong Shin Heng (BN-Chenderiang) during the question-and-answer session at the Perak state assembly sitting yesterday.
“Among the works to be performed include geotechnics, installation of streetlamps, drainage system, utility realignment, and land reclamation,” said Mohammad Nizar.
“Preliminary work on the first phase of the traffic alleviation project was at about 95% completion earlier this month.”
To Choong’s question whether more parking bays would be created, Mohammad Nizar said it had not been decided yet.
He said the Tapah District Council was looking into drawing lines for parking bays and on the road at Bukit Baldwin.
“Due to ongoing works, the exact number of parking bays in the area has yet to be ascertained.
“But from the council’s observations, the number of parking bays will be reduced to prioritise traffic flow improvements.”
He said the district council would also submit in phases, applications for works to resurface the roads and, subsequently, to enhance the drainage system.
He added that both would require substantial allocations.
It had been reported that a one-way traffic system was being implemented in the Tapah town area to alleviate congestion.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the works were expected to be completed at end of the month.
