Smoother traffic for motorists plying route

Completed : The second RM25mil Permas Jaya bridge (left) connecting Bakar Batu and Permas Jaya was opened recently.

JOHOR BARU: Motorists can now enjoy smoother traffic flow as the second bridge connecting Bakar Batu and Permas Jaya is finally completed, after the project started four years ago.

Construction for the new 700m double-lane bridge, costing RM25mil, began in 2008.

The bridge sits parallel to the existing bridge, which only has two lanes to accommodate a two-way traffic flow.Traffic jams, however, have always been a problem for motorists passing the area, hence the construction of the second bridge.


Permas assemblyman Datuk M. Samy said the second bridge could solve the longstanding traffic woes in the area. “The project began four years ago after we received many complaints that the first bridge could not cater to the large volume of vehicles that passed by the area.

“The bridge’s completion is slightly delayed as it was supposed to be opened in September last year but everyone is glad that it is finally opened,” he said.

Meanwhile, restaurant proprietor Chong Si Ling, 28, said the new bridge would boost her business as many of her customers also complained about traffic congestion in the area.

“Since the project started some four years ago, my business suffered a dip as a lot of people avoided coming into Permas Jaya because of the bottleneck at the bridge,” she said.

Taxi driver Lim Heng Sing, 53, said it would definitely be easier for him to travel along the route.

“Before the bridge was completed, I avoided going to the area unless I absolutely have to but now, it is easier to make rounds in the area to wait for customers,” he added.