RM4.6b highway to be completed in six months

IPOH: Preliminary work on the proposed RM4.6 billion Jelapang-Selama-Batu Kawan (Penang) expressway had started and expected to be completed in six months.
It involves land acquisition, soil test and investigation on terrain conditions.
The 116km highway with a three kilometre tunnel, the longest in Asia, will connect Jelapang at the North South Expressway to Batu Kawan.
The project undertaken by BMT JELAS Sdn Bhd will take three years to complete.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Perak State Speaker S.Thangasvari.
BMT Jelas group executive chairman, Tan Sri Bahadon Ariffin said, the three lane dual carriageway will have 13 interchanges.
" The project will include rest and recreation (R & R) areas, clinics, hotels and other amenities,"he told reporters after the launch of the work at Rural Transformation Centre, Gopeng here today.
Bahadon also noted the project will spur economic activities as well boost the tourism sector.
Meanwhile BMT JELAS Chief Executive Officer Dr Mansur Hussain said the unique concept of the R & R areas is that those not using the highway have also access to the facilities.
"The highway is an alternative to the North South Expressway and will help ease traffic congestion,"he added.
The proposed highway will reduce travelling time from north/south to Batu Kawan by 30 minutes.