SEPANG: Traffic madness on the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) may come to an end as the government is planning to build an alternative highway to it. 

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said the ministry was studying a proposal by Plus Expressways Berhad (PLUS) as the LDP had reached its full capacity.

He said the alternative highway was considered a pressing matter as the LDP had reached a critical stage, especially at the Sunway, Puchong, Sungai Penchala and Daman-sara toll plazas.

"We have received many complaints from commuters.

"The Sungai Penchala and the Bandar Sunway areas are especially bad and have reached level 'E' (the worst condition).

"This proposal is being considered as the average number of vehicles using the highway has exceeded the optimal level - 120,000 cars daily," he said after opening the Sepang Umno division delegates' meeting yesterday.

He said the papers on the matter had been sent to the Malaysian Highway Authority and the Economic Planning Unit for deliberation. Zin hoped both parties would carry out detailed studies to enable the speedy construction of the alternative highway.

"We believe this proposed highway would benefit commuters forced to endure traffic chaos daily on the highway." 

On the East Coast Highway, he said the second package, from Jabor to Telemong, involving 180km, was due for completion by May, 2011. 

He said the cabinet had issued a directive that all projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan undertaken by the ministry should be carried out as scheduled.

Under the 9MP, the ministry is to handle projects worth RM70 billion, including the construction of roads, basic amenities, government offices, schools and health centres.

"We will set up a special team that would study, monitor and ensure that all projects planned are carried out according to schedule."