LAWAS:Construction of the new Bandar Lawas Bridge is expected to be completed in early 2025.

The RM150 million project, implementedby Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA)is currently undergoing piling and earth works where Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit is the contractor.

Once completed, the iconic bridge with tower arches and suspension cables, and decorated with LED lights will reduce the travelling time crossing the Batang Lawas river to go to Jalan Pulau Salam on the north and Kampung Ladang Baru on the south of Lawas town.

The project is one of the 168 infrastructure projects under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) which has been allocated with RM1.5 billion by the Sarawak Government to expedite infrastructure development in Limbang and Lawas region.

The project launching was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also theNRDA board chairman at the site here on Tuesday afternoon.

NRDA is one of the three regional development agencies set up by the Sarawak Government under the purview of RECODA. The other two agencies are Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and Highland Development Agency (HDA).

RECODA chief executive officer, Datu Ismawi Ismuni in his brief remark said the Bandar Lawas Bridge project which began on May 26this year would involve the construction of the 642 metres long and 12.4 width bridge which is equipped with four tower arches and suspension cables with LED lightings including 1.1 kilometres of access road to the bridge.

Ismawi reiterated that RECODA would ensure the project is implemented on time and within its scopes and standards.

“We also hope the locals will give their full cooperation to us to ensure this project can be completed on time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said besides the Bandar Lawas Bridge project, NRDA is also in the midst of implementing several mega projects.

Construction of the new Lawas airport and the 86km Northern Coastal Highway is expected to start in the first and second quarter of next year respectively.

Northern Coastal Highway, formerly known as Pan Borneo Highway Phase 2, will be a four-lane dual carriageway which covers Limbang and Lawas sections.

Awang Tengah said the petrochemical development project in Lawas would result in the construction of an integrated petrochemicalrefinery complex with an investment of US$5 billion that would help create job opportunities to the locals.

The state government, he further said, is expediting the infrastructure development in order to develop the state economy that will eventuallyhelp to increase the income of the people.