Bali to Accelerate Plans for Kuta Overpass

(5/17/2010)

Responding to deteriorating traffic conditions and Bali's selection to host the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in 2013, a decision has been made to move ahead with plans to construct a flyover bypass at the Simpang Siur intersection on the outskirts of Kuta.

Radar Bali reports that despite initial rejection of the plans for the new road, opposition is fading to the road project.

At a recent meeting between Commission III of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) and Commission V of the National legislature (DPR-RI) an agreement was formed to fight for the necessary funding for the road project in the current 2010 national budget. Putu Agus Surdnyana, a Bali legislator, said, "We have met with Commission V of the DPR-RI. Essentially, the central government will support (the project) if Bali has no further objections to building a flyover."

During the inter-parliamentary meeting, the growing severity of traffic congestion in and around the Simpang Siur – Dewa Ruci Monument intersection was discussed and the effect traffic jams that extend to the airport and Nusa Dua would have on delegate attending the 2013 APEC summit.

The proposed flyover is intended to eliminate long traffic lines from the south through the provision of a flyover connecting northbound traffic to the Sunset Road.

With funding commitments from the central government for the Rp. 300 billion (US$ 32.6 million) flyover now in hand, Bali is busily undertaking the planning and design phase that, once completed, will allow the project to move ahead.