Johor Highway Upgrades: PLUS And Senai-Desaru May Open Early

Johor motorists could soon use two upgraded highway stretches ahead of schedule, with sections of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE) potentially opening in early 2027.

The proposed openings cover 14.5 km between Sedenak and Kulai and 9.34 km between the Sungai Johor Bridge and Sungai Semenchu. Interestingly, motorists could be allowed onto these roads before all construction work is completed.

Which Johor Highway Stretches Could Open Early?

According to The Star, Johor executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said discussions were ongoing with highway operators, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and contractors to allow earlier access.

Note: Both early-opening windows remain tentative and are subject to confirmation.

PLUS Sedenak-Kulai: Why This Stretch Matters

The proposed 14.5 km early-opening stretch forms part of the wider RM525 million PLUS Package A project, covering 21.8 km between Senai Utara and Sedenak. Construction began in June 2024, with completion targeted for June 2027.

So, why was this section prioritised? According to Mohamad Fazli, the route's hilly terrain forces heavy vehicles to slow down when climbing, contributing to congestion. The widening works aim to improve capacity along this busy stretch of the expressway.

PLUS Malaysia has also outlined its wider Johor lane-widening programme, which involves increasing capacity from two to three lanes along affected sections.

Senai-Desaru Expressway: Four-Lane Upgrade Could Open First

Over on the Senai-Desaru Expressway, the 9.34 km stretch between the Sungai Johor Bridge and Sungai Semenchu is being widened with two additional lanes, bringing the affected section to four lanes in total.

The RM128.52 million project is scheduled for completion in April 2027, but authorities are exploring an earlier opening in January or February. If approved, it could be the first of the two upgraded stretches to welcome motorists.

For now, both early openings remain proposals rather than confirmed dates. Motorists should watch for official announcements on when the upgraded sections will be accessible and what traffic arrangements will apply.

If you regularly use these Johor highways, which stretch would you most like to see open first?

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