Johor Highway Upgrades: PLUS And Senai-Desaru May Open Early

Johor motorists could soon use two upgraded highway stretches ahead of schedule, with sections of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE) potentially opening in early 2027.

The proposed openings cover 14.5 km between Sedenak and Kulai and 9.34 km between the Sungai Johor Bridge and Sungai Semenchu. Interestingly, motorists could be allowed onto these roads before all construction work is completed.

TL;DR | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWPLUS Sedenak-Kulai: The 14.5 km stretch could open in February or March 2027.Senai-Desaru Expressway: The 9.34 km stretch could open in January or February 2027.Early access: Both stretches may open before their respective upgrading projects are fully completed.Not confirmed: Opening dates and traffic arrangements are still under discussion.Which Johor Highway Stretches Could Open Early?

According to The Star, Johor executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said discussions were ongoing with highway operators, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and contractors to allow earlier access.

PLUS / NORTH-SOUTH EXPRESSWAYSedenak - Kulai14.5 kmPROPOSED EARLY OPENINGFebruary - March 2027Wider Package A scheduled completion:June 2027SENAI-DESARU EXPRESSWAYSungai Johor - Sungai Semenchu9.34 kmPROPOSED EARLY OPENINGJanuary - February 2027Upgrading project scheduled completion:April 2027

Note: Both early-opening windows remain tentative and are subject to confirmation.

PLUS Sedenak-Kulai: Why This Stretch Matters

The proposed 14.5 km early-opening stretch forms part of the wider RM525 million PLUS Package A project, covering 21.8 km between Senai Utara and Sedenak. Construction began in June 2024, with completion targeted for June 2027.

So, why was this section prioritised? According to Mohamad Fazli, the route's hilly terrain forces heavy vehicles to slow down when climbing, contributing to congestion. The widening works aim to improve capacity along this busy stretch of the expressway.

PLUS Malaysia has also outlined its wider Johor lane-widening programme, which involves increasing capacity from two to three lanes along affected sections.

Senai-Desaru Expressway: Four-Lane Upgrade Could Open First

Over on the Senai-Desaru Expressway, the 9.34 km stretch between the Sungai Johor Bridge and Sungai Semenchu is being widened with two additional lanes, bringing the affected section to four lanes in total.

The RM128.52 million project is scheduled for completion in April 2027, but authorities are exploring an earlier opening in January or February. If approved, it could be the first of the two upgraded stretches to welcome motorists.

IMPORTANT: EARLY OPENING DOESN'T MEAN FULL COMPLETION

Johor is exploring whether motorists can use the upgraded stretches while remaining construction work continues. Final opening dates, available lanes and traffic arrangements have not been announced.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR JOHOR HIGHWAYS?

Other widening works are planned or underway along PLUS, including sections towards Simpang Renggam and Machap, while further Senai-Desaru improvements are also being pursued. These projects have separate timelines and are not part of the two proposed early 2027 openings.

For now, both early openings remain proposals rather than confirmed dates. Motorists should watch for official announcements on when the upgraded sections will be accessible and what traffic arrangements will apply.

If you regularly use these Johor highways, which stretch would you most like to see open first?

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen could the PLUS Sedenak-Kulai stretch open?The 14.5 km upgraded stretch could open in February or March 2027. However, this is a proposed timeline and has not been confirmed.When could the Senai-Desaru Expressway upgrade open?The 9.34 km stretch between the Sungai Johor Bridge and Sungai Semenchu could open in January or February 2027, ahead of the project's scheduled completion in April 2027.Will construction be fully completed when the roads open?Not necessarily. The state government is discussing whether the upgraded stretches can be opened to traffic before all remaining construction work is completed.Are the early-opening dates confirmed?No. Discussions involving the relevant highway operators, the Malaysian Highway Authority and contractors are ongoing. Official opening dates and traffic arrangements have yet to be announced. CARZ EDITOR'S PICK Selling Your Car? Don't Settle For The First Offer.

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