Johor bahru: A contraflow lane will be implemented along the Senai-Johor Bahru corridor, particularly Jalan Skudai, to address critical traffic congestion following the commencement of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link operations expected next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the measure would be carried out on a three-month trial basis, with implementation targeted in the third quarter of this year, subject to approval from the relevant authorities. Mohamad Fazli stated that this approach aims to reduce congestion and daily travel time as a practical interim solution, which he shared during the oral question-and-answer session at the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail.
The first phase of the contraflow lane implementation is set to involve a six-kilometre stretch from Batu 7 Jalan Skudai to Bandar Baru Uda, specifically for traffic heading into the city centre. The lane would operate during peak hours from 5.30 am to 9 am and would only involve light vehicles, using a movable barrier system supported by LED signboards and on-ground traffic control to ensure safety and smooth operations.
Mohamad Fazli highlighted that a data-driven approach had been adopted in assessing preparedness for the traffic flow increase following the RTS Link operations. This approach includes the 'Greater Johor Bahru and JS-SEZ Traffic Dispersal and Congestion Action Plan' study conducted via the Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ). The study identified 77 congestion hotspots grouped into 41 clusters, with 24 clusters categorised as serious in Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Iskandar Puteri and Kulai.
In addressing these issues, various mitigation measures have been and are being implemented, which also include proposed priority projects under the Skudai corridor involving road upgrades and road closures in several areas. To ensure comprehensive RTS Link connectivity, Bas.my Johor will serve as the main route, while Bas Muafakat Johor will operate as feeder services in key residential areas in Kota Iskandar, with the first-mile and last-mile approach to include pedestrian facilities, cycling lanes and park-and-ride facilities.
On the issue of cargo lorry congestion on roads, logistic companies are encouraged to use the 39.9-kilometre Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang Cargo Service Rail Line, which connects Kempas Baru, Seelong and Johor Port in Pasir Gudang and had been upgraded at a total cost of RM55 million. Additionally, route coordination, logistics traffic and daily traffic separation, special routes designation and lorry movement schedules coordination with border and port operations have been implemented to address heavy vehicle congestion issues.