KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Kuantan Port Interchange on the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2) opened to motorists today, cutting travel time to the Gebeng industrial area and Kuantan Port by up to 30 minutes.
LPT2 Sdn Bhd said in a statement that the interchange, located at KM264 between Jabor and Cheneh toll plazas, began operations at 6am today, linking LPT2 with Federal Route FT3 Kuantan-Kemaman.
The new route is expected to benefit motorists travelling from Terengganu or Kuala Lumpur towards Beserah, Balok, Gebeng, Cherating and surrounding areas, while helping to reduce congestion on federal roads by separating long-distance and local traffic.
LPT2 Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar, who is also PLUS Malaysia Berhad managing director, said the interchange provides more efficient access to strategic areas including Kuantan Port City and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP).
She said the facility would support economic growth by encouraging business activities and creating job opportunities in the logistics, industrial and services sectors.
Developed by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), the interchange is the 11th along LPT2 and the first LPT2 toll plaza in Pahang. It is equipped with a seven-lane toll plaza, comprising three entry lanes and four exit lanes, as well as public facilities including toilets, a surau and parking areas.
LPT2 Sdn Bhd said the infrastructure would support the long-term growth of Kuantan Port and MCKIP, with a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) estimating that surrounding developments could generate more than 20,000 vehicles daily once fully realised.
-- BERNAMA