The Batang Lupar 1 Bridge in Sarawak, Malaysia, has opened to traffic as part of the Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Road project, which has an overall construction cost of USD2.7 billion. The project is financed by the Sarawak government and the new bridge is not tolled.
The cable-stayed Batang Lupar 1 Bridge spans 4.9 km and connects Sebuyau and Triso. Construction began in 2021 and the bridge comprises 87 piers, with a wider central span to allow vessels to pass beneath. The crossing has a single traffic lane in each direction and replaces the previous ferry service, reducing journey times between the two locations.
The bridge forms part of Sarawak’s wider programme to improve road connectivity and replace ferry crossings with fixed links. The state has plans to construct 21 bridges in total, of which 10 have been completed and six ferry services have been phased out. A further eight bridges are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The development is being delivered under the 12th Malaysia Plan and is intended to strengthen road connectivity across Sarawak. The replacement of ferry services with bridges is also expected to improve the continuity of road travel and reduce reliance on river crossings.