PAPAR: The RM70.6 million upgrading of Lok Kawi Road from the Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut is expected to ease chronic traffic congestion along the main Kota Kinabalu-Papar route when completed in 24 months.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the 1.5km project, which began in March, involves widening the existing two-lane road into a four-lane dual carriageway to improve traffic flow for more than 25,000 vehicles using the route daily.
He said RM48 million has been allocated for construction, RM17 million for land acquisition and compensation involving 41 affected lots, and RM9.6 million for utility relocation.
The project also includes a pedestrian bridge, traffic lights, street lighting, bus stops, motorcycle shelters, covered walkways, drainage works and the upgrading of three roundabouts into signalised intersections.
Meanwhile, Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali welcomed the project and said a second phase involving the RM538 million Pengalat-Papar bypass and new bridges would further reduce congestion in the district.
