KENINGAU: THE Works Ministry is using a set of new road design guidelines, with focus on roads with low traffic, that provides more options  to optimise government allocations.

Minister Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor said this would ensure roads that were used by fewer than 250 vehicles per day, were not "over-designed".

Speaking to reporters after visiting two road upgrading projects in Pensiangan, he said road designs had been too rigid with only one or two standard options in the past.

"Last year, I had asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to conduct a study and they came out with new guidelines in May.

"Before a road is constructed, we should identify the target users, the type of vehicles and how long the road can last so that it will not be 'over-designed'. If it is, it will require more funds.

"With these guidelines, we will have more options, such as the type of material used, whether it is cement or rocks.

"What is important is the road is durable and safe."

Shaziman also said the government was aware there were still many rural areas in need of road access.

Therefore, it was important to optimise the allocations involved.

He said the ministry had started implementing the guidelines and they would be extended to other ministries like the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and state PWDs.