Batang Lupar Bridge 2 Opens in Sarawak, Cutting Travel Time From 1 Hour to 25 Minutes
Batang Lupar Bridge 2 Opens in Sarawak, Cutting Travel Time From 1 Hour to 25 Minutes
Motorists travelling between Sri Aman and Betong in Sarawak can now reach their destinations in approximately 25 minutes instead of one hour, following the opening of Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 and Jalan Lidong on October 31, 2026. The new connection also reduces the travelling distance from approximately 73 km to 28 km, making journeys between the two areas significantly shorter.
The 870-metre bridge features Malaysia's tallest cable-stayed bridge tower, standing at 145.5 metres. It forms part of Sarawak's Second Trunk Road project and is expected to improve rural connectivity, support local businesses and make travelling more convenient for residents.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 officially opened to traffic on October 31, 2026.
- The journey between Sri Aman and Betong has been reduced from approximately 60 minutes to 25 minutes.
- The travelling distance has been shortened from approximately 73 km to 28 km.
- The bridge measures 870 metres and features a 145.5-metre-high cable-stayed tower.
- The new connection is part of Sarawak's Second Trunk Road project.
Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 Officially Opens
The Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 and Jalan Lidong are now open to motorists, providing a more direct connection between Sri Aman and Betong.
Before the new route became available, motorists travelling between the two locations had to cover approximately 73 km, with journeys taking around one hour. The new connection reduces the distance to approximately 28 km and cuts travelling time to about 25 minutes.
The opening of the bridge on October 31, 2026, marks another development in Sarawak's road infrastructure programme. The project is part of Package B3 of the Sarawak Second Trunk Road (STR), which aims to improve connectivity across the state.
The opening of Jalan Lidong also completes the road connection from Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 to the Betong interchange on the Pan Borneo Highway.
According to the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), the improved route is expected to provide better road conditions and more convenient access for motorists travelling between surrounding communities.
Key Features of the New Bridge
Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 is more than just a new crossing. Its engineering design and supporting road infrastructure are intended to improve transportation and accessibility throughout the surrounding areas.
1. A 145.5-Metre Cable-Stayed Tower
One of the bridge's most notable features is its 145.5-metre-high cable-stayed tower, making it the tallest cable-stayed bridge tower in Malaysia.
The bridge itself measures 870 metres in length and was constructed according to JKR R5 road standards. It also includes provision for a dual carriageway, allowing for a four-lane road configuration.
For water transportation, the structure provides a navigation clearance measuring 200 metres in width and 23 metres in height, allowing vessels to pass underneath.
2. A Shorter Connection Between Sri Aman and Betong
The most immediate benefit for motorists is the reduction in travelling distance and time.
With the opening of the bridge and Jalan Lidong, drivers no longer need to rely on the previous, longer route to travel between the two areas.
| Travel Details | Previous Route | New Route |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 73 km | 28 km |
| Estimated travelling time | 60 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Distance saved | - | 45 km |
| Time saved | - | 35 minutes |
These improvements could make a significant difference for people who regularly commute between Sri Aman and Betong, particularly those travelling for work, education or business.
3. Improved Access to Rural Communities
The project also improves accessibility for residents living in villages and longhouses along Jalan Lidong.
The road development includes approximately 2,355 metres of bridge access roads, roadside drainage systems, road furniture and safety barriers. Existing roads were also upgraded from JKR R3 to JKR R5 standards as part of the wider road development.
With a more direct connection to the Betong interchange on the Pan Borneo Highway, residents can access surrounding towns and public facilities more conveniently.
The improved road network is also expected to support the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods, potentially reducing logistics costs for local businesses and creating opportunities for commercial development and ecotourism.
How the Bridge Benefits Malaysian Motorists
For motorists, shorter travelling distances can mean less time spent on the road and potentially lower fuel consumption, depending on driving conditions and vehicle efficiency.
The reduction of approximately 45 km between Sri Aman and Betong is particularly useful for regular commuters, delivery drivers and businesses transporting goods between the two locations.
However, motorists should still follow posted speed limits, observe road signs and remain alert when using newly opened roads. A shorter route does not mean drivers should compromise road safety.
For drivers managing their vehicle expenses, the Motorist App provides a platform for accessing car ownership-related services. It is separate from government road infrastructure and does not provide official traffic or road-opening updates.
Expert Tip
If you regularly travel between Sri Aman and Betong, update your navigation route before starting your journey. Newly opened roads may not immediately appear in every navigation application, so check the road signs and follow the official directions along the route.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Do not assume that a newly opened bridge automatically means every connecting road is ready for unrestricted travel. Follow the available traffic signs and road markings, especially around junctions and newly constructed access roads.
What Motorists Should Know About Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2
The opening of Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 is a significant improvement for motorists travelling between Sri Aman and Betong. By reducing the journey from approximately one hour to 25 minutes and shortening the distance by 45 km, the new connection makes travelling more convenient while improving access for surrounding communities.
As Sarawak continues developing its road network, motorists can look forward to better connectivity between towns and rural areas.
Looking to manage your vehicle ownership needs more conveniently? Download the Motorist App to explore its car ownership services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 open to the public?
Yes. Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 officially opened to traffic on October 31, 2026, together with Jalan Lidong.
2. Where is Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 located?
The bridge is located in Sarawak and provides a more direct road connection between Sri Aman and Betong.
3. How long does it take to travel between Sri Aman and Betong using the new bridge?
The journey now takes approximately 25 minutes, compared with around one hour previously.
4. How much distance does Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 save?
The new route reduces the travelling distance from approximately 73 km to 28 km, saving around 45 km.
5. How long is Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2?
The bridge measures approximately 870 metres in length.
6. What is special about Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2?
It features a 145.5-metre-high cable-stayed tower, making it the tallest cable-stayed bridge tower in Malaysia.
7. Is Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 part of the Pan Borneo Highway?
The bridge is part of Sarawak's Second Trunk Road project. Its connection through Jalan Lidong leads to the Betong interchange on the Pan Borneo Highway.
8. What is the road standard of Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2?
The bridge was constructed according to JKR R5 standards and includes provision for a dual carriageway.
9. Does Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 allow boats to pass underneath?
Yes. The bridge provides a navigation clearance of 200 metres in width and 23 metres in height for water transportation.
10. How does Batang Lupar Bridge No. 2 benefit local communities?
It improves access between rural communities and surrounding towns, while potentially reducing transportation and logistics costs for local businesses.
Read More: Can You Record a JPJ Roadblock? What Malaysian Drivers Should Know
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