JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 6 — Details of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) project, aimed at reducing congestion on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), are being finalised for submission to the Federal government in April, Johor executive council member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said.
The state public works, transportation, infrastructure, and communications committee chairman said the details would help determine the project’s timeline and procurement process.
He added that the project’s feasibility study had been completed last December through engagement between the Works Ministry and the state government.
“God willing, if there are no issues, the southern section of the WCE will be completed within 48 months once the necessary processes are finalised,” he said in a Facebook post.
He added that the state government had proposed 13 interchanges along the 153.3-kilometre project to help boost the local economy.
“If we go based on priority, we suggest building seven interchanges first, including Sungai Terap (Muar), Parit Sulong (Batu Pahat) and Pekan Nenas (Pontian),” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said the highway, which would connect Banting, Selangor, via Negeri Sembilan and Melaka to the Second Link Highway in Gelang Patah, would offer motorists a quicker and more efficient alternative.
He said the highway would also expand access to Johor’s west coast and help divert about 27 per cent of traffic, namely about 35,000 vehicles a day that enter and exit the PLUS Highway, particularly during festive seasons and school holidays.
