Section 5A: Raub Bypass is now open, cuts 2 hour journey to just 30 mins

KUALA LUMPUR: Another segment of the Central Spine Road (CSR), specifically Section 5A: Raub Bypass, has officially opened as of 12:01 AM today.

According to Bernama's report, Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi mentioned that the opening of this segment will significantly benefit travelers by reducing travel time from the East Coast Expressway to Kuala Lipis. This bypass avoids the need to pass through the towns of Bentong and Raub, covering a distance of 45.3 kilometers and reducing travel time to just 30 minutes.

This development can save up to two hours compared to the existing route, which requires passing through the towns of Bentong and Raub. Additionally, the government expect it to reduce the risk of road accidents since the junctions on this new section are equipped with traffic lights.

Moreover, this route is anticipated to save overall travel costs and lessen traffic congestion on the current Federal Road, especially during peak hours, festive seasons, and school holidays.

During the inauguration ceremony held in Raub yesterday, which was jointly officiated with Pahang's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, it was shared that the overall length of Section 5A: Raub Bypass is 9.6 km. With the opening of a 6.4 km stretch tonight and an additional 600 meters opened on June 25, a total of 7 km of the bypass is now accessible, while the remaining 2.6 km is scheduled for completion in June.

The CSR, formerly known as the Central Spine Road connecting Kuala Krai, Kelantan to the East Coast Expressway (ECE) intersection, spans 299.4 km and costs RM7.7 billion. The CSR is being implemented in stages involving five packages, prioritized based on areas prone to accidents and traffic congestion.

In a press conference, Alexander disclosed that the ministry is considering the state government's proposal to construct Rest & Service Areas (R&Rs) along the CSR route between Bentong and Raub.

Previously, Wan Rosdy requested that the ministry pay special attention to the state government's proposal for R&Rs in the mentioned area, expressing gratitude to the Federal Government for the construction of the CSR in Pahang.

Regarding a proposal by Kubang Kerian Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man to abolish tolls at Gombak and Karak, Alexander mentioned that the ministry has no immediate plans to implement this. "We hope our users understand...we need finances for maintenance to ensure user safety. Without adequate funds, we worry about not being able to perform maintenance properly," he explained.

Previously, Tuan Ibrahim urged the government during a Parliament session to eliminate tolls at Gombak and Karak to reduce congestion on that route. Regarding congestion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, he said concessionaires would be asked not to close or narrow lanes for maintenance work during peak times and holidays.

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