KL-Karak Highway Expansion Project Set to Begin in Q2 2025

AFA Prime Berhad announces that the KL-Karak highway expansion project is set to commence in Q2 2025.

AFA Prime Berhad, the concessionaire of the KL-Karak Expressway (KLK) and East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1), just announced that the KLK Widening Project is scheduled to begin in Q2 2025. At the same time, the highway concessionaire has also begun the Flood Mitigation Project along LPT1, ensuring uninterrupted highway operations during periods of extreme weather.

The KLK expansion project will cover a stretch from KM19.2 to KM64.5, between the Gombak Toll Plaza and Bentong Toll Plaza, and was mulled in response to rapidly growing traffic volumes along the route, especially during weekends and festive periods. 

According to AFA Prime, the whole project is designed to accommodate future demand while prioritising safety and efficiency. With a construction timeline of 48 months, preparatory works such as slope trimming, drainage upgrades, flood mitigation, and retaining wall construction are already in progress, the concessionaire added.

Among the key features of this expansion project are the addition of one lane in each direction and the widening of road shoulders from 2.5 metres to 3 metres on both sides, in compliance with guidelines set by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). To strengthen emergency response and prevent secondary incidents, the project includes the addition of eight new emergency bays, allowing vehicles with breakdowns to be quickly cleared from active lanes.

Recognising the Genting Sempah Tunnel as a high-traffic zone, the concessionaire has also ensured that construction in this area will be limited to non-peak hours. Night visibility will also be improved with floodlights, while existing lighting will be repositioned for maximum effect upon completion.

AFA Prime Berhad Executive Director Ir. Vijayaraj

“The expansion is about rethinking how a highway should serve its people, not just in terms of capacity, but in reliability, safety, and long-term resilience. Our goal is to build a future-ready expressway. We have incorporated real-time monitoring systems, contingency planning, and emergency response protocols to ensure that motorists remain safe and informed even during construction.” said Ir. Vijayaraj, Executive Director of AFA Prime Berhad.

Besides the KLK expansion project, AFA Prime has also begun the Flood Mitigation Project along LPT1. These ongoing efforts include comprehensive risk assessments, drainage upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements to reduce the risk of flash flooding along the route.

To manage traffic effectively throughout the construction phase, the concessionaire has appointed Edgenta PROPEL Berhad as its traffic management partner. The company will be responsible for deploying safety assets along the construction areas, including barriers, cones, signage, flagmen, and patrol teams.

Additionally, Digital Variable Message Systems (VMS) will also be installed along the routes to display traffic alerts and emergency notices, which will be reinforced by regular updates on AFA Prime Berhad’s social media platforms.