A long-delayed bridge project along Jalan Gelang Patah in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, is finally completed and opened to traffic, benefitting about 80,000 road users daily.
The RM13mil project, which involved the replacement of an old steel bridge with a new concrete structure, was completed on Jan 27 and officially handed over on Feb 3.
State works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the project marked the resolution of a long-standing issue faced by residents and motorists in the area.
“This project began in 2016 and was originally supposed to be completed between 2019 and 2020,” he said after inspecting the new bridge.
However, Mohamad Fazli, who is Bukit Pasir assemblyman, said the project faced several setbacks over the years, including delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic affected project timelines and required the appointment of a new contractor before works could resume,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Mohamad Fazli said the state government remained committed to completing the project due to its importance to the local community.
He said the new concrete bridge replaced the previous steel structure, which had raised safety and maintenance concerns over the years.
He added that the project also involved road-widening works to improve traffic capacity along the busy stretch.
Mohamad Fazli said street lighting, traffic lights and road shoulders were also installed as part of the upgrade, to enhance road safety, particularly at night and during peak hours.
“The improvements are expected to ease congestion along Jalan Gelang Patah, which serves as a key route for residents, workers and industrial traffic in the area.”
Beyond traffic flow, he said the project would also help address flood-related issues that had affected the area in the past.
“The construction allows for smoother water flow along Sungai Gelang Patah that can help reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding areas,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in ensuring the project’s completion.
He thanked Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad for consistently raising the issue through various platforms on behalf of the residents.
The completion of the project, he said, reflected the state government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure and improve connectivity for communities in Johor.
