KUANTAN: The Pahang government is pushing for the construction of rest-and-service areas (R&R) along the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) Expressway, formerly known as the Central Spine Road, as it would provide much-needed facilities for road users.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said although the cost of building the R&R facilities has doubled from the initial estimate, the state government hopes that the Works and Economy ministries will give due consideration to completing this essential infrastructure.
“The Pahang government is grateful to the Federal Government for the construction of the 299.4km LTU, divided into six packages at a total cost of RM7.7bil.
“However, we are disappointed that one crucial component of the project – R&R facilities – has not been built, even though it was part of the original project scope. Only platforms and basic infrastructure were prepared,” he said yesterday, reported Bernama.
So far, four sections of the LTU have been opened – namely the Bentong Bypass, Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Chandan-Kampung Asap, the Raub Bypass and the Mentara-Kampung Seberang Jelai section – with overall progress on the project at 66.01%.
It was reported that two locations have been earmarked for R&R facilities along the LTU – between Bentong and Raub and in Kampung Kechau Tui, Lipis.
The LTU is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
