(Kuching, 31st) The Sungai Paku Bridge, located on Jalan Tanjung Sebekut in Spaoh, has officially opened to the public, marking another major milestone in the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen the Betong Division’s transport network.
The Public Works Department of Sarawak (JKR) announced in a statement today that the bridge was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The new bridge will provide residents with smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel conditions, especially for those commuting between Spaoh and Betong via Jalan Tanjung Sebekut.
The Sungai Paku Bridge is a 100-meter-long single-span steel arch bridge crossing the Sungai Paku River. The project was spearheaded by the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, with the Sarawak Public Works Department serving as the implementing agency.
The statement noted that Jalan Tanjung Sebekut is an important alternative route connecting Betong and Spaoh, and compared to the main Betong-Spaoh road, it can reduce the journey by approximately 30 minutes.
“This route benefits more than 20 longhouses and surrounding communities, and also connects Debak as well as coastal settlements as far as Pusa.”
Before the completion of the new bridge, road users had to use the existing single-lane steel bridge where vehicles needed to stop and give way to oncoming traffic—especially during peak hours—causing noticeable impacts on traffic flow.
With the new bridge in service, the previous ‘stop and give way’ practice for daily users will be eliminated, and heavy vehicles and cargo trucks will no longer need to take longer detours.
Besides the main bridge construction, the project also included upgrading sections of the existing road to JKR R3 standards, building two mini roundabouts, constructing about 150 meters of riverbank retaining wall, relocating underwater pipelines, relocating electric poles and underground cables, as well as electrical work for the new and existing steel bridges.
On the other hand, the old bridge will be upgraded and converted into a pedestrian walkway. This move not only preserves the original structure but is also expected to become a new landmark and tourist attraction for Spaoh town.
Riverside development works included in the project also provide residents with recreational spaces for jogging, fishing, leisure activities, and family gatherings, with the Sungai Paku Bridge serving as a scenic backdrop.
The Sarawak Public Works Department stated: “The opening of the Sungai Paku Bridge demonstrates the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to providing improved transport infrastructure, enhancing residents’ mobility, and promoting the socio-economic development of local communities.”
The Sungai Paku Bridge is a 100-meter-long single-span steel arch bridge crossing the Sungai Paku River. The project was spearheaded by the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, with the Sarawak Public Works Department serving as the implementing agency.
The statement noted that Jalan Tanjung Sebekut is an important alternative route connecting Betong and Spaoh, and compared to the main Betong-Spaoh road, it can reduce the journey by approximately 30 minutes.
“This route benefits more than 20 longhouses and surrounding communities, and also connects Debak as well as coastal settlements as far as Pusa.”
Before the completion of the new bridge, road users had to use the existing single-lane steel bridge where vehicles needed to stop and give way to oncoming traffic—especially during peak hours—causing noticeable impacts on traffic flow.
With the new bridge in service, the previous ‘stop and give way’ practice for daily users will be eliminated, and heavy vehicles and cargo trucks will no longer need to take longer detours.
Besides the main bridge construction, the project also included upgrading sections of the existing road to JKR R3 standards, building two mini roundabouts, constructing about 150 meters of riverbank retaining wall, relocating underwater pipelines, relocating electric poles and underground cables, as well as electrical work for the new and existing steel bridges.
On the other hand, the old bridge will be upgraded and converted into a pedestrian walkway. This move not only preserves the original structure but is also expected to become a new landmark and tourist attraction for Spaoh town.
Riverside development works included in the project also provide residents with recreational spaces for jogging, fishing, leisure activities, and family gatherings, with the Sungai Paku Bridge serving as a scenic backdrop.
The Sarawak Public Works Department stated: “The opening of the Sungai Paku Bridge demonstrates the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to providing improved transport infrastructure, enhancing residents’ mobility, and promoting the socio-economic development of local communities.”