KUCHING: The new bridge for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system at Sungai Kuap is slated for completion by mid-2026, paving the way for the phased opening of the Blue Line-Package 1 in the same year.
Sarawak Metro Chief Executive Officer Mazli Mustaffa said the bridge’s completion is critical to launching the ART route.
“By 2026, the stretch from the Rembus Depot to Riveria Station, and onward to Stutong Station, will begin operations following the bridge’s completion,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Currently, construction on the Blue Line along Jalan Kuching-Expressway is focused on relocating utilities, including fibre optic cables, water pipes, and electrical cables.
Meanwhile, work on the ART route and stations is progressing in areas unaffected by utility relocation.
Mazli added that the Rembus Depot was completed at the end of 2024.
Regarding the challenges posed by Sarawak’s ongoing rainy season, he noted that adverse weather has been a significant hurdle for the project.
“To mitigate delays and ensure safety, we have implemented measures such as temporary drainage systems, additional safety gear like anti-slip boots and raincoats, and close monitoring of machinery operations during wet conditions,” he said.
To ensure the safety of road users in construction zones, warning signboards and reflective barriers have also been installed.
