There will soon be a new highway in Perak, and it's called the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE). Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced today that the federal government has given approval for the WISE project, spanning 60 kilometers from Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar. This new expressway will provide an alternative route, bypassing the forever-congested Menora Tunnel stretch of the North-South Highway, especially during the peak seasons. 

Saarani stated that the cabinet endorsed the proposal yesterday, and that WISE will be implemented as a private finance initiative (PFI). Under this arrangement, a private company will finance the project in return for a concession, eliminating the need for government funds, as reported by a news source recently. 

In the past year, the Perak state government gave its approval for the construction of a bypass road, also recognized as a measure aimed at minimizing the risk of fatal accidents. The sharp descent from the Menora Tunnel to the Ipoh toll has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. 

Saarani highlighted that currently, motorists have limited alternatives apart from using the Chemor-Sungai Siput trunk road or the North-South Expressway to reach Kuala Kangsar or travel from it.

He emphasized, "If an accident occurs near or at the tunnel or along the old road, motorists will be stranded without any alternatives."

With the implementation of WISE, road users will gain a direct route from Kuala Kangsar to Gopeng. Alternatively, those traveling from the north can exit at Changkat Jering on the North-South Expressway and utilize the West Coast Expressway (WCE), providing additional flexibility and options for travelers.

The highway is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

To all northbound travelers, do you think it's a wise decision? Share your thoughts with us!