SHAH ALAM: The government’s RM20mil allocation to upgrade the motorcycle lane along the Federal Highway (FT002) aims to improve safety for some 35,000 motorcyclists who use the route daily.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project began in 2025 and is expected to be fully completed by August this year.
He said the high volume of users along the route had raised concerns that some motorcyclists were entering the main highway lanes, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering road users.
Nanta said the motorcycle lane along Federal Highway is among the oldest and longest in the country, which was built in the 1970s, and has long faced recurring flood issues, especially during the monsoon season.
“One of the reasons the government is upgrading this route is that it has exceeded its usage capacity, apart from addressing recurring flood issues.
“At present, our focus is on drainage and drain upgrading works because there are several black spots that are frequently hit by floods during the monsoon season,” he told reporters after a site visit to the FT002 Motorcycle Lane Upgrading Project here yesterday.
Earlier, Nanta rode a red Yamaha Lagenda motorcycle for about 5km to personally inspect the progress of the project.
He said RM6mil of the total allocation had been specifically set aside for the installation of Integrated Solar LED (ISLED) streetlights to improve visibility and safety for users at night.
“We hope the solar lights will brighten up the motorcycle lane and provide greater comfort for users,” he said, adding that the project has achieved more than 40% progress so far.
The upgrading works include road resurfacing, tunnel repairs, replacement of road barriers, bridge railing repairs, tree trimming works, as well as the installation of warning and signboards.
More shelters for motorcyclists are also being built to provide convenience for users.
Nanta said the government hoped more motorcyclists would use the dedicated lane once the upgrading works are completed, and avoid entering the main highway lanes.
“We hope this will help reduce accidents and fatalities involving motorcyclists,” he said, adding that the ministry had also identified several other motorcycle lanes in urban areas for future upgrading works.
