North-South Expressway Additional Lane Construction Project Phase 1 Sedenak-Kulai Route Actively Underway

Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, has conducted a review of the works for the construction of the North-South Expressway additional lane construction project on the Sedenak-Kulai route.

Also present at the working visit were the Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and Development) of the Ministry of Works, Dato’ Zahrul Hakim Abdullah, Deputy Director-General (Development) of the Malaysian Highway Authority, Ir. Ts. Dr. Nadzrol Fadzilah Ahmad and PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Ir. Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Works (KKR), Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS).

The works for the Sedenak-Kulai route (Phase 1 – Package A) which involves earthworks have been actively carried out since last July.

The earthworks for the Sedenak-Kulai route, (Phase 1 – Package A) are expected to continue at the location until the second quarter of 2025 for the southbound direction and the earthworks on the route will then move to the northbound direction.

After the earthworks are completed, the construction of additional lanes at the location will commence in stages.

The construction of additional lanes on this route is expected to take approximately another 24 months to complete and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

The additional lane construction project which will be widened from two lanes to three lanes from Yong Peng (North) to Senai (North), is an initiative by the government to address congestion in the southern region of the North-South Expressway which often occurs during peak hours, especially during public holidays or festive seasons.

The project, which is fully funded by the government, is divided into two phases, namely Phase 1, the 22-kilometre Senai (North) – Sedenak route and Phase 2 for the 17-kilometre Sedenak – Simpang Renggam route.

Through a press conference during the working visit, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan stated, “The Ministry of Works (KKR), the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and the PLUS concessionaire are committed to jointly playing an important role in ensuring that the infrastructure built along the highway can provide comfort and safety to users. To realise this goal, we are committed to ensuring that this high-impact project runs smoothly, thus becoming a new benchmark for the Government in providing the best highway infrastructure to the people.”

He said, “We believe that when this additional lane addition project is fully completed, highway users will be able to enjoy comfort and travel time savings, as well as a better experience using the highway.”

“Through the collaboration between KKR, LLM and PLUS, we will continue to provide highway infrastructure and improve service levels to provide the best experience to the people. Today’s working visit is our step to continue to ensure comfort and safety on Malaysian highways. We are confident that when this project is completed, it will benefit nearly 100,000 highway users every day. In addition, it will also be a catalyst for socio-economic development in surrounding areas such as Iskandar Malaysia, Senai, Kulai, Sedenak and Pagoh,” he explained further.

When met during the working visit, PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Ir. Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said, “At this stage, site works involve site clearance, soil survey works, earthworks, drainage structures, arrangement and traffic management plans. However, the works will not involve lane closures and are not expected to disrupt existing traffic flows in both directions of the highway. This approach is being taken to keep the route open to highway users, thus reducing travel disruption to the public on the route.”

The Phase 1 additional lane construction project for Package A (Sedenak-Kulai) has been awarded to local contractor, WCT Berhad, through an open tender process.

“PLUS will provide the latest information on the development of this project from time to time, especially when the additional lane construction works will begin and involve any lane closure works at the locations involved,” he added.