Traffic Surge Expected on Major Expressways During Aidilfitri Holiday
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) anticipates a surge in traffic, to 2.77 million vehicles per day on major expressways, during the upcoming Aidilfitri holiday.
Traffic Projections
LLM, in a statement, said that an estimated 2.1 million vehicles will use expressways under PLUS Group, followed by 216,000 on the KL-Karak Expressway (KLK); 176,000 on the West Coast Expressway (WCE); 156,000 on the East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1), and 70,000 on LPT2, during peak days of the Aidilfitri festive period.
Peak Traffic Days
It said that traffic departing the capital towards the east coast, northern, and southern regions is expected to surge, starting today, factoring in the Ministry of Education’s additional school holidays from April 2 to 4. Meanwhile, return traffic to the capital is anticipated to peak on April 5 and 6.
Measures to Ease Congestion
To ease congestion during the festive season, LLM has implemented several measures, including prohibiting highway lane closures by concessionaires, except for emergency works, from March 24 to April 7.
Smart Lanes and Motorcycle Shelters
Additionally, smart lanes have been activated at 28 identified locations along the PLUS Expressway. Motorists travelling through these areas can utilise the emergency lanes as an alternative route during congestion and are advised to adhere to the provided traffic signs.
"It is hoped that motorcyclists remain vigilant while riding, and take note of the activation of smart lanes in designated areas. Additionally, 472 motorcycle shelter locations have been made available along the highway.
Toll Collection and Fuel Supply
LLM also urged major concessionaires to ensure that the toll collection system operates smoothly and that highways remain in optimal condition throughout the period. It added that various facilities, including parking spaces and temporary mobile toilets, have been made available to accommodate users’ needs. Additionally, in collaboration with petrol station operators, efforts have been made to ensure sufficient fuel supply for the convenience of motorists.
Prohibition on Goods Vehicles
The prohibition on goods vehicles will also be enforced from March 29 to 30 and April 5 to 6, aiming to ease traffic congestion on the nation’s major expressways.
Travel Tips and Information
Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys, using the MyPLUS-TTA application for travelling along the PLUS Expressway, while motorists plying KLK and LPT1 are advised to use the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) by AFA Prime. Real-time traffic updates or incident reports can be obtained from LLM’s official social media channels, or contact the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752, which operates 24 hours a day from March 28 to April 6.
Conclusion
The Malaysian Highway Authority is taking measures to ensure a smooth and safe journey for motorists during the Aidilfitri holiday. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, use alternative routes, and remain vigilant while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the expected traffic volume on major expressways during the Aidilfitri holiday?
A: The expected traffic volume is 2.77 million vehicles per day. - Q: Which expressways will experience peak traffic?
A: Expressways under PLUS Group, KL-Karak Expressway (KLK), West Coast Expressway (WCE), East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1), and LPT2. - Q: What measures are being taken to ease congestion?
A: Prohibition on highway lane closures, activation of smart lanes, and prohibition on goods vehicles. - Q: How can I obtain real-time traffic updates or incident reports?
A: Through LLM’s official social media channels or by contacting the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752.