KUCHING: The 8.9 km Kuching International Airport (KIA) Southern Access Road is now open for motorists, providing an alternative route to ease traffic congestion along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
Public Works Department (PWD) director Dr Cassidy Morris said the new U5-standard road is a crucial link connecting Samarahan with Kuching, potentially reducing travel time for commuters travelling between Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, and Asajaya.
“Road users are advised to exercise caution as this is a new road, and intersections and bridges may still be unfamiliar.
“We hope traffic will flow smoothly and motorists will make the most of this new route,” he said during the soft opening of the road today.
He noted that while the road is fully safe to use, some streetlights and signage are still being installed, but it has opened early due to urgent traffic demands in Kuching.
On the expected number of vehicles diverting from the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, Cassidy said no estimate is available at this stage, adding that traffic counts are planned next week to evaluate the road’s impact on existing traffic patterns.
The Southern Access Road, part of a broader effort to improve connectivity in southern Kuching, is complemented by ongoing projects such as the coastal road from Batang Samarahan to Tanjung Bako, expected to be completed next year to further ease congestion.
“Motorists are encouraged to use the road responsibly and appreciate the new infrastructure,” Cassidy said.
The RM112.9 million project, initiated in 2021, faced construction challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic but is now open for public use.
