KUALA LUMPUR: The Rawang Bypass opened to traffic at 6am today and is expected to benefit about 30,000 motorists daily.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the new 9km stretch will reduce traffic congestion by 50% and shorten the travel time from Serendah to Selayang, especially during peak hours.

“Before this, motorists could take up to two hours during peak times, but now they just need 30 minutes for the same destination,” he said this when launching the opening of the Rawang ByPass here on Tuesday.

He said the construction of the RM628mil Rawang Bypass began on July 16, 2005 and was completed on Nov 21, this year.

He also explained the uniqueness of the bypass, which is said to be the highest infrastructure pillar in Malaysia with a height of 58.2m from the ground.

“This bridge will also provide an attractive experience for road users as it will be ‘among the clouds’ in the morning especially after it rains,” he said.

Meanwhile, Public Works Department director-general Datuk Seri Dr Roslan Md Taha said the project involved a new two-way stretch, a 2.7km elevated structure, and a 12.5km upgraded federal road.

“A new method of construction was also introduced in this project such as geogrid usage, hand dug cassio, and a pre-cast interlocking slab for protection from the river as well as a silt-trap to control sand silt from entering the river that could help maintain the environment.

“With the usage of new construction technology, the Kanching tropical forest would be preserve and it will also encourage the tourism industry,” he said. – Bernama