KL-Karak Expressway expansion to start in Q2 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: AFA Prime Bhd, the concessionaire of the KL-Karak Expressway (KLK) and East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1), is undertaking two major infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving highway safety and easing congestion.

They are the KLK Widening Project, scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025, and the Flood Mitigation Project, which is already underway along LPT1.

The KL-Karak Expressway Expansion Project covers a stretch from KM19.2 to KM64.5, between the Gombak Toll Plaza and Bentong Toll Plaza.

In a statement, AFA Prime said the project is designed to accommodate future demand while prioritising safety and efficiency, in response to steadily rising traffic volumes particularly during weekends and festive seasons,

With a construction timeline of 48 months, preparatory works such as slope trimming, drainage upgrades, flood mitigation, and retaining wall construction are already in progress.

“The expansion is about rethinking how a highway should serve its people, not just in terms of capacity, but in reliability, safety, and long-term resilience," said AFA Prime executive director Vijayaraj.

"Our goal is to build a future-ready expressway. We have incorporated real-time monitoring systems, contingency planning, and emergency response protocols to ensure that motorists remain safe and informed even during construction,” he said.

Key features of the project include the addition of one lane in each direction and the widening of road shoulders from 2.5 metres to 3 metres on both sides, in compliance with guidelines set by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).

This will allow for the flexible activation of the shoulders as smart lanes during peak periods, effectively increasing the number of operational lanes and significantly improving traffic flow.

To strengthen emergency response and prevent secondary incidents, the project includes the addition of eight new emergency bays.

These areas will allow vehicles with breakdowns to be quickly cleared from active lanes, minimising disruption and enhancing motorist safety.

Recognising Genting Sempah Tunnel as a high-traffic zone, construction in this area will be limited to non-peak hours.

Night visibility will be improved with floodlights, while existing lighting will be repositioned for maximum effect upon completion.

In parallel with the upcoming KLK expansion, AFA PRIME Berhad has initiated flood mitigation works along LPT1 to improve climate resilience and ensure uninterrupted highway operations during periods of extreme weather.

These ongoing efforts include comprehensive risk assessments, drainage upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements to reduce the risk of flash flooding along the route.

To manage traffic effectively throughout the construction phase, AFA Prime has appointed Edgenta PROPEL Bhd as its traffic management partner.

Leveraging its extensive experience in highway operations, the company will deploy safety assets including barriers, cones, signage, flagmen, and patrol teams.

Their 24/7 monitoring capabilities will be key to maintaining safety and reducing congestion during the construction phase.

Digital Variable Message Systems (VMS) will be installed along the routes to display traffic alerts and emergency notices.

These will be reinforced by regular updates on AFA PRIME Berhad’s social media platforms, allowing motorists to plan their journeys in real time.