KL-Karak Highway Road Widening Set to Begin in Jan 2025

Construction works to widen the Kuala Lumpur-Karak (KLK) Highway are set to begin in Jan 2025, aiming to reduce traffic congestion during peak travel periods. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan confirmed the project in the Dewan Rakyat, noting that concessionaire AFA Prime Berhad (formerly ANIH Berhad) is finalising designs ahead of the start date.

The RM2.1 billion project spans a 45.3 KM stretch from the Gombak Toll Plaza to Bentong and is expected to take four years to complete. Ahmad explained that delays arose from recent shareholder changes within the concessionaire, but the project remains on track.

Key improvements include:

• Section 1 Expansion: From the Gombak Toll Plaza to Genting Sempah, an additional lane will increase capacity from three to four lanes.
• Section 2 Expansion: The two-lane section from Genting Sempah to Bentong will be widened to three lanes.
• New Tunnel Construction: A two-lane tunnel will be built alongside the existing tunnel, facilitating eastbound traffic flow.

Additionally, the Works Ministry will conduct a feasibility study for a new road connecting Pelangai junction in Pahang to Putrajaya via the Central Spine Road (LTU). This study, part of the 12th Malaysia Plan’s Rolling Plan 4, is scheduled for completion by August 2025.

Ahmad also mentioned that KLK Highway operates under an open toll system, and consolidating toll operations at Karak, Bentong, and Gombak would require adjustments to existing agreements, posing contractual challenges.

With construction commencing early next year, the KLK Highway widening project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion along one of Malaysia’s busiest highways.

Source: BERNAMA