Reconstruction of Tuaran–Sungai Damit Bridge to begin in September
KOTA KINABALU (July 30): The long-awaited reconstruction of the Tuaran–Sungai Damit Bridge in Sabah is set to commence in early September 2025, following its approval under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12).
In a written reply to Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Tuesday, the Ministry of Economy confirmed that the RM30 million project will be managed by the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), with the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) serving as the implementing agency.
'The project is currently in the final stages of contractor appointment, expected to be finalised by August 2025,' the ministry stated. 'Construction will take 18 months, with completion expected by March 2027.'
Madius had requested an update on the bridge project's status, including its projected start and completion timelines.
The ministry noted that the bridge project was initially approved on 24 March 2017 under Rolling Plan 2 of the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-11). However, studies later revealed that the original structure was unsafe, leading to a plan for demolition and reconstruction.
In September 2022, the Task Force Damit Committee recommended building a new bridge at the same site, citing value for money, structural integrity, and user safety.
The original bridge's construction began on 20 April 2018 and was slated for completion by 19 October 2019, but the structure is now fully closed to all vehicles due to safety concerns.
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