Easing Hari Raya traffic: PLUS Malaysia to active 18 SmartLanes

KUALA LUMPUR:  PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) is set to activate SmartLane paths at 18 critical points along its highways to ease anticipated traffic congestion during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

According to PLUS Malaysia's Managing Director, Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaafar, when SmartLane is operational, the existing far-left lane will be opened as an additional path to maximize the usage of all lanes and enhance lane capacity, thereby reducing traffic jams on critical highway sections.

PLUS has upgraded the SmartLane feature to accommodate the surge in traffic expected during the Eid al-Fitr holidays. Enhancements include the installation of flashing green lights to indicate when the SmartLane is active, which will only be during daylight hours, Nik Airina mentioned. Additionally, PLUS has installed warning signs at the designated SmartLane locations to inform drivers.

These remarks were made during a media briefing on the SmartLane improvements and highway operation preparations for the Eid al-Fitr traffic surge, held at Persada Plus.

The event was attended by PLUS Malaysia Berhad's Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Ir Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, the Assistant Director of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) at Bukit Aman, Superintendent Khairul Azhar Ismail, and the Senior Director of the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ), Datuk Lokman Jamaan.

Warning signs will be displayed one kilometer before the SmartLane begins and 200 meters before it ends. The SmartLane is temporarily available for use by private vehicles, after which drivers are directed back to the main lanes to continue their journey. However, it's strictly prohibited to drive in the emergency lanes where SmartLane is not activated.

Superintendent Khairul Azhar emphasized that it's illegal to block vehicles using the emergency lane when SmartLane is active, and offenders will face legal actions if reported.

The locations for the SmartLane initiative include stretches from KM108.0 Southbound (Sg. Petani Selatan) to KM112.0 Southbound (Hentian Sebelah Tikam Batu), and several other key points along the PLUS highways, covering both northbound and southbound directions, intended to streamline the traffic flow during peak holiday seasons.

Here's a list of SmartLanes to be activated: 

• KM3.3 Northbound (Setia Alam) to KM9.0 Northbound (Shah Alam)
• KM260.0 Northbound (Port Dickson) to KM263.1 Northbound (Seremban)
• KM108.0 Southbound (Sg. Petani South) to KM112.0 Southbound (Tikam Batu Rest Area)
• KM280.0 Southbound (Nilai) to KM276.0 Southbound (Seremban Rest & Service Area)
• KM6.1 Northbound (OBR USJ) to KM8.1 Northbound (Seafield)
• KM194.5 Southbound (Air Keroh) to KM184.0 Southbound (Kg. Bemban Rest Area)
• KM150.4 Northbound (Bukit Tambun North) to KM146.4 Northbound (Juru Toll Plaza)
• KM367.3 Northbound (Slim River) to KM354.0 Northbound (Sungkai)
• KM437.1 Southbound (Rawang Rest Area) to KM443.3 Southbound (Rawang Interchange)
• KM155.5 Southbound (Bandar Cassia) to KM157.2 Southbound (Sg Bakap Rest Area)
• KM439.5 Northbound (Rawang Rest & Service Area) to KM435.5 Northbound (Sg. Buaya)
• KM354.0 Southbound (Sungkai) to KM356.0 Southbound
• KM303.2 Northbound (Gua Tempurung) to KM297.0 Northbound (Gopeng)
• KM11.2 Northbound (Petron Exit, NKVE) to KM13.3 Northbound (Subang)
• KM27.0 Southbound (Kulai) to KM19.0 Southbound (Senai)
• KM19.0 Northbound (Senai) to KM27.0 Northbound (Kulai)
• KM4.5 Southbound (Dato Onn) to KM1.9 Southbound (Pasir Gudang)
• KM0.4 Northbound (Pandan) to KM6.0 Northbound (Kempas)

In the context of PLUS Malaysia Berhad, the implementation of SmartLanes is part of their ongoing efforts to manage traffic congestion on their highways. These lanes are typically activated during peak travel times to increase road capacity and ease congestion.

The Smart Lane initiative, initially piloted on the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) in 2019, aimed to alleviate congestion between the Setia Alam and Shah Alam Toll exits during peak travel times. By opening up all lanes, including the emergency lane, to vehicular traffic, the strategy was designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion by an impressive 30 to 40 percent.

Following its successful trial, the Smart Lane concept has been expanded to additional segments along the PLUS highway, offering significant relief on two-lane stretches prone to heavy traffic. Motorists can identify these activated Smart Lanes by the distinctive yellow signs marked “PENGAKTIFAN SMART LANE,” accompanied by illustrative visuals.

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