De-congestion Relief Guaranteed

(4/23/2011)

Seputar Indonesia reports that a planned toll way connecting Serangan Island and Tanjung Benoa in Bali will overcome current traffic congestion problems affecting the Kuta area.

Badung's regent, A. A. Gde Agung, said: "In addition, this will be supported by the construction of an underpass at Simpang Siur at the Dewa Ruci monument, but only on the side connecting Nusa Dua and the Sunset Road. The underpass heading to Sanur has been cancelled."

Agung explained that the toll way from Serangan island to Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua covering a distance of 12 kilometers is scheduled for completion by 2013 at an estimated cost of Rp. 1.2 trillion (US$133 million). Meanwhile, the underpass at Simpang Siur will require the acquisition of 62 hectares of land and is also slated for completion by 2013.

"The acquisition of land will not be very burdensome because there is no longer a need to build an underpass accessing the Sanur area," explained Agung. Because of the plans to build the toll way connecting Sanur and Nusa Dua authorities believe the current congestion in travelling between Sanur and the airport will be alleviated, making the addition underpass unnecessary. Agung added, "We hope that various parties will completely understand our plans to build these roads."

"We no longer need to be pessimistic. This will overcome the traffic congestion which we are not experiencing," said the Badung regent. Agung remained non-committal as to whether or not the Badung government would become a shareholder in the toll way project, saying, "We are calculating whether or not we need to invest."

Agung closed his comments, saying: "We must possess a commitment to maintain Bali as an international destination that is safe and convenient in keeping with the slogan 'Island of the Gods.' There is nothing to fear. We hope all parties will support this."