West Ipoh Span Expressway gets green light from cabinet

The much-anticipated West Ipoh Span Expressway (Wise) has received the green light from the cabinet, promising a smoother journey between Gopeng and Kuala Kangsar.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the approval was given at the Cabinet meeting on December 13.

West Ipoh Span Expressway easing traffic woes

Wise serves as a solution to alleviate traffic challenges on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), particularly in the event of accidents at the Menora Tunnel.

During such incidents, motorists currently have no alternative but to navigate the federal road in Sungai Siput.

The expressway near Menora tunnel has a steep gradient that sees many lorries suffering brake failure. Many accidents have also occurred as a result.

“Motorists can now avoid congestion by taking the Gopeng-Kuala Kangsar route,” said Saarani after opening the Perak Economic Outlook 2024 programme at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.

“Wise will stimulate the state as a a major portion of the WCE has been opened to the public. As such, they will complement each other,” he said.

This expressway not only eases traffic flow but also complements the recently opened West Coast Expressway (WCE), creating a dynamic network for Perak’s economic growth.

State backing and project timeline

Wise is set to be undertaken through a private finance initiative (PFI), where a private company will finance the project in return for a concession, eliminating the requirement for government funds.

He added that the state government will give its full cooperation to implement the project, including the aspect of land acquisition from the state Lands and Mines Office. 

On Sept 16, Malaysian Highway Authority chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the construction of Wise was in the final stage of negotiations, and this would be finalised by December.

In March 2021, Saarani had said that the state received a proposal from a private construction company to build an alternative expressway to Kuala Kangsar.

The Perak Economic Outlook 2024 programme, attended by over 700 participants, showcased the state’s commitment to its “Perak Sejahtera 2030” vision.