Nanta: East-West Highway upgrades to follow pavement condition report

New Straits Times

2 days ago

GERIK: Upgrading works for the East-West Highway from Gerik to Jeli will be carried out based on necessity, in accordance with recommendations presented in the Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA) report.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the assessment began in March and was completed last month.
"The PCA involved the use of technologies such as the Multi Laser Profiler (MLP), Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), and Trial Pit methods.
"The PCA started on March 13 and was completed on May 13. We conducted it using the latest, internationally-recognised methods.
"However, all the facilities and methods used depend on the allocation provided, particularly for road construction and repair," he said.
He said this during a visit to the location of the tragic crash at Km53 which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
"From the ministry's side, we've long recognised this need. This road is old and follows the terrain, with many curves and slopes. Proposals for upgrading have existed for some time, but they depend on future government allocations.
"We've discussed this with our top ministry officials and are exploring options — maybe not a full highway upgrade, but expanding overtaking lanes. Some already exist; we may increase the number.
"Based on the report, only then will we know what work we actually need to carry out, whether it's structural or otherwise. Some have said that, considering the age of the road, it is time for structural rehabilitation.
"If that's the case, we will act accordingly. The PCA report, which I understand has just been completed, will guide us. If structural repairs are needed, we'll do that or whatever else is required," he said.
He said an allocation of RM80 million has also been set aside for 55 scopes of work under the Pavement Periodic Maintenance Programme, aimed at ensuring the route remains in good condition.
"Work order approvals will be issued once the scope of work is finalised based on the PCA report, which is currently being prepared," he added.
Additionally, said Nanta, RM3.58 million has been allocated for street light and traffic light maintenance, which includes installation of solar-power street lights.
He added that solar-powered lighting will also be installed at the site of the tragedy and the works are scheduled to begin in July.
"These works are currently in the procurement process by the Perak Public Works Department and are expected to be completed by the end of October this year," he said.
The ministry, he said, guarantees that all allocated funds will be utilised efficiently to ensure effective and successful maintenance works on the highway.
When asked about the state government's proposal to build an alternative route connecting Gerik to Jeli, Nanta said it was feasible, and the ministry welcomes such initiatives.
"They should've been considered long ago, but perhaps we didn't have the capacity then. Now, the time might be right.
"As for new alternatives from Kelantan, we already have that included in the National Highway Network Master Plan 2030.
"Cost estimates are difficult to determine this early due to inflation, but the network has been planned. Discussions will continue," he said.
On June 9, Nanta announced that the crash site was among the sections of the highway identified for upgrades this year, with an allocation of RM55 million.
He had said various initiatives have been undertaken since 2023 to improve the Gerik-Jeli route, especially along Federal Route FT04.
Yesterday, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad had said proposals to build a new highway or alternative route to address the increasing frequency of accidents along the highway would be submitted to the federal government.