Kuala lumpur: The project to widen the road from two lanes to four lanes in the Brinchang area and to construct a three-kilometre one-way loop at Kea Farm in the Cameron Highlands is projected to be fully completed by February 2028. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced the timeline, indicating significant progress in addressing the area's traffic issues.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project, which falls under the Second Rolling Plan (RP2) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), has reached 38 percent physical progress. It is part of the government's plan to alleviate severe traffic congestion at the highland resort. The project's primary focus is on upgrading a one-kilometre section of Federal Road FT59, extending from the McDonald's Roundabout to the Brinchang/Time Tunnel intersection.
Following a traffic congestion study by the ministry in September 2020, the government approved the continuation of the project under RP3 of the 12MP. This includes the construction of the Tanah Rata bypass and further upgrades to Federal Roads FT59 (Tanah Rata-Kea Farm) and FT434 (Griddle Road), totaling approximately 10 kilometres in length. The contractor received the Letter of Acceptance on February 11, with site possession commencing on February 16.
In response to Senator Datuk Leong Ngah Ngah's inquiry regarding measures to resolve traffic congestion in the Cameron Highlands, Nanta noted that the ministry is evaluating digital signage installations at strategic points like Simpang Pulai. This initiative aims to provide real-time travel information, assisting motorists in planning their journeys more effectively.
Nanta also addressed proposals for constructing flyovers and tunnels to limit disruption to current plantation areas. He conveyed the ministry's willingness to consider such proposals if submitted by the state government for future Rolling Plans. He emphasized that all development efforts would be carried out responsibly, maintaining a balance between infrastructure advancement and environmental sustainability in the highland region.