LAWAS: The New Bandar Lawas Bridge is poised to usher in a new phase of urban development in the district, by providing a direct link between the northern and southern parts of the town.
The bridge, expected to open to the public in October, will help reduce travel time from about 50 minutes to 25 minutes, improving connectivity and accessibility for the people in the area.
At present, residents crossing Sungai Lawas either rely on the long-established riverboat service or travel via the exising road network, with the latter requiring a significantly longer journey to reach the opposite side of the river.
The Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni said the RM149mil project had achieved 97% completion as of June.
The project remained ahead of schedule, with only architectural and finishing works remaining before its targeted completion in September, he added.
“Once completed, the bridge will become a key transportation link connecting Merapok and Bandar Lawas, while serving as a new landmark for the district,” he said.
Beyond improving accessibility, Ismawi said the bridge would support future residential, commercial and industrial development, while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment in the district.
He said the project also forms part of Recoda’s broader plan to position Lawas as Sarawak’s northern gateway linking the state with Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan under the Trusan, Sundar and Merapok Action Area Plan.
“The bridge is complemented by other strategic infrastructure projects, including the northern coastal highway, the new Lawas Airport in Sundar and upgraded Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes, which will further strengthen cross-border mobility and economic activities,” he said.
For many residents, however, the bridge represents more than another infrastructure project as it also promises a simpler and faster daily commute.
Mohd Arwadie Wasli, 35, from Kampung Belimbing, said he uses the riverboat service whenever he needs to cross Sungai Lawas quickly, as driving to the opposite side currently requires a much longer journey.
Another resident, Norhidayatul Afiqah Sa’adi, 29, from Kampung Seberang Kedai, said she had depended on the riverboat since childhood and looked forward to the bridge’s completion.
