IPOH: The construction of the alternative expressway from Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar has been approved in principle by the government, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

       The Works Minister, however, said the proposed project would be given the actual green light only after the social impact and traffic studies were ready and agreeable.

       He added that there were also conditions imposed by the Malaysian Highway Authority and the government that must be adhered to first.

       He also said it was very important to ensure that the project was viable.

       “When I say viable, we must look at the cost of the project, and the toll fee that will be imposed.

       “These will be finalised when all the studies are completed and presented to the ministry,” he said after launching the Public Works Department’s senior officers conference at a hotel here yesterday.

       Last month, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the state government had approved the construction of a 64km highway which would bypass the Menora Tunnel on the North-South Expressway.

       He said the proposed expressway would be able to divert traffic during peak season or when there was an accident near the tunnel.

       On the progress of the construction of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), Fadillah said land acquisition issues and change of alignment were among the reasons for the delay in construction.

       For example, a portion near Tanjung Karang in Selangor is facing issues with land acquisition.

       “Land acquisition comes under the jurisdiction of the state, so when such issues are not resolved, the project is unable to take off. That section of Tanjung Karang, we are estimating for construction to be completed in three years,” he said.

       WCE is a 233km expressway project connecting Banting in Selangor to Taiping in Perak.