PARIT: The construction of an alternative expressway from Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar to bypass the Menora Tunnel must be expedited.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said this was crucial considering the frequent cases of accidents and congestion near the tunnel between Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar at the North-South Expressway.
"I hope this project can be expedited. If possible, by this year. We feel restless every week when there is a fatal accident near the Menora Tunnel.
"We hope the project will be approved sooner so that we can solve this problem," he said after attending a Meet-the-Clients Day programme at Arena Square Parit here today.
Saarani said the 64km bypass project had been proposed to the state government by the concession company in 2021, but was delayed due to several factors, including the dissolution of Parliament prior to last year's general election.
He said, so far, the companies involved had done necessary procedures to obtain approval and concession agreements from the cabinet.
"They (the companies) have gone to the Works Ministry and gone through all the appropriate processes.
"When the federal government agrees later, we will continue with the land acquisition process to kick-start the project," he said.
In May last year, Saarani said the state and federal governments had agreed to the construction of the new route to bypass the Menora Tunnel (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/06/806869/cabinet-green-lights-alternative-expressway-bypass-menora-tunnel-nsttv).
Construction of the road would not involve government funds and instead, be implemented by a private company. It would be given two years to start work after obtaining funds and after the land acquisition had been completed.