By Zaki Salleh
Photo: Kementerian Kerja Raya
TAIPING: Section 11 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) connecting the South Taiping Interchange to the Beruas Interchange was officially opened last night.
With a length of 35.5 kilometers (km), the opening of Section 11 completes all 4 sections of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) in the state of Perak.
The route was originally scheduled to open before Aidilfitri, but due to the full commitment of the Ministry of Works (KKR) workforce and concessionaire companies, it was completed ahead of time.
In conjunction with the WCE opening, users, especially the people of Perak traveling through the Taiping South Toll Plaza – Trong Toll Plaza – Beruas Toll Plaza route, will be exempted from toll charges for 2 months until May 11, 2024.
This serves as a gift for the arrival of Ramadan and Syawal.
To some extent, he shares joyful news for the people of Perak returning to their hometowns for fasting and celebrating Eid with family.
Interestingly, a wildlife crossing is also constructed along Section 11 of the WCE route, spanning the Bubu Forest Reserve, specifically designed to preserve the ecosystem of wild animals such as tapirs, bears, civets, and others.
The Southern Taiping Interchange is seamlessly integrated into the North-South Expressway (PLUS) through the Changkat Jering Toll Plaza.
WCE is another mega infrastructure project by the Ministry of Works to provide an alternative route for road users, especially in addressing traffic congestion.
Started a decade ago, this project has incurred a cost of over RM5 billion, and so far, six sections have been fully opened.
Built on flat coastal land, WCE provides a safe and comfortable route for logistics services.
