The Central Spine Road (CSR) stretch between Bentong and Lebu, Pahang, also known as the Bentong Bypass, has officially opened today (October 8th).
The opening of the 28.5KM stretch was completed by the Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
According to Fadillah, a study finds that this project can shorten the travel distance and save travel time from 45 minutes to 20 minutes. It’s also expected to reduce traffic congestion in Bentong, especially during peak hours, festive seasons and school holidays.
He added that the construction of the entire CSR Highway from Kuala Krai, Kelantan to Bentong is expected to be completed in 2026 while the 25.5-kilometer extension route from Lebu to Raub is expected to be completed by 2023 at the latest.
Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said the bypass also benefits the outside community who pass through the highway to return to their hometowns either in Pahang or Kelantan.
CSR, which deploys the Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) method, comprises six phases: from Kuala Krai to Jambatan Sungai Lakit, Kelantan (47km); Jambatan Sungai Lakit to Gua Musang, Kelantan (60km); Gua Musang to Kampung Relong, Pahang (94km); Kampung Relong to Raub, Pahang (45km); Raub to Bentong (54km); and Bentong to Simpang Pelangai (47km).
By: Amy Shariffudin
