Johor bahru: The upgrading project to widen the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE) to four lanes has achieved 55 percent completion and is expected to be ready by April 2027, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan. He stated that the RM160 million project involves a 30-month construction period, with no anticipated delays due to its smooth progress.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the upgrading works cover a 9.34-kilometer stretch from Sungai Johor Bridge (KM49.3) to Sungai Semenchu (KM58.7). This expansion is expected to positively impact the tourism sector in Desaru, a popular destination in Johor, by attracting more tourists, including those from Singapore. Dr. Ahmad shared these insights with reporters during his working visit to the SDE upgrading project.

He also expressed the ministry's hope for a future extension of the upgrading from Sungai Semenchu to the end of the expressway. While he hinted at potential good news regarding this extension, he deferred the announcement to the minister.

In addressing traffic management during the construction period, Dr. Ahmad highlighted the effectiveness of the Traffic Management Programme, which has successfully prevented disruptions to the existing traffic flow.

The SDE upgrading project is one of the key priorities for the Works Ministry in Johor, alongside the widening of the North-South Expressway from four to six lanes between Senai Utara and Yong Peng Utara, as well as addressing traffic issues in Johor Bahru city. Dr. Ahmad noted that the SDE had previously been considered one of the less profitable expressways but expressed confidence that the current upgrading efforts would enhance traffic flow and improve its financial performance in the future.