Good news, everyone! Phase 1 of the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) is finally open to the public today (September 16).
Here’s even better news - The newly launched route, which involves a 16.6km alignment from Cheras-Kajang to Bukit Antarabangsa, will be toll-free for one whole month!
SUKE is expected to significantly reduce travel time, relieving traffic congestion along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) by 30%, Jalan Ampang by 36% and Jalan Loke Yew by 12% during peak hours.
SUKE features an impressive 56.4-metre-tall segmental box girder bridge which has already earned a spot in the Malaysian Book Of Records for being the highest superstructure ever built in the Klang Valley.
Another cool feature of this expressway is the country’s first helicoidal (spiralled) ramp located near the Cheras-Kajang interchange.
Not only can this expressway be an alternative to the MRR2, it’s also linked to the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway (KL-Seremban), Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), Grand Saga, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH) and Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE). The upcoming East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) will also be linked.
The route also includes 14 interchanges, which are Sri Petaling, Sungai Besi, Alam Damai, Cheras-Kajang, Cheras-Hartamas, Bukit Teratai, Tasik Tambahan, Permai, Kosas, Pekan Ampang, Ampang Point, Ulu Kelang, Hillview and Bukit Antarabangsa.
SUKE has three toll plazas, which are the Alam Damai toll plaza, the Bukit Teratai toll plaza and the Ampang toll plaza. The latter two are located along this newly opened expressway, while the Alam Damai toll plaza is part of the remaining 7.8km alignment which is still under construction.
Let’s hope that people’s daily commute as well as the traffic will improve with the introduction of this new route!
By: Amy Shariffudin
