THE Maju Expressway (MEX), formerly known as the KL- Putrajaya Highway, will soon have a link to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

According to Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd general manager (special functions) Riza Selahettin Khuddus, the new link to KLIA from Maju Expressway is a 16km stretch to Putrajaya.

"During peak hours, it will take at least 70 minutes to get to KLIA but if you use the Maju Expressway, it will only be 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur to KLIA," he said.

On the access to Seri Kembangan from the expressway, Riza said it was up to the authorities to make a decision.

"We are happy that more vehicles are using the expressway, especially limousines and taxis.

"The expressway is the shortest direct link from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and KLIA.

"We have installed parapet that are higher than normal for safety reasons," Riza said during a media tour of the expressway.

Riza said they were able to respond within nine minutes and had full control in terms of visibility and traffic on the expressway.

The expressway was completed on Dec 5 last year and has two toll plazas, at Salak South and Putrajaya. The 26km expressway, which connects Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and KLIA, includes a 9.5km elevated section. The concession period is for 33 years, beginning from Oct 28 2003.

Motorists exiting the Salak South toll plaza have to pay RM1.50, RM3 for small lorries, RM4.50 for big lorries, 80 sen for taxis and RM1.50 for buses.

Those exiting the Putrajaya toll plaza are charged RM2.50 for cars, RM5 for small lorries, RM7.50 for big lorries, RM1.30 for taxis and RM2.50 for buses.

The expressway provides a link between the MRR1 and MRR2 and other highways such as Besraya, KL? Seremban, New Pantai Expressway and Kesas.

There are five interchanges which motorists can use to access the road: Kampung Pandan, Salak South, Kuchai Lama, Bukit Jalil and Putrajaya Link.

The expressway has rest areas, Traffic Control and Surveillance System (TCSS), variable message system, emergency telephones every 2km, induction loop traffic sensors, video detection in real time, a 24-hour dedicated security force and noise barriers.

Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said motorcyclists would now be able to use the Kuala Lumpur?Putrajaya highway.

Mohd Zin said he hoped more people would ride motorcycles now in view of the petrol price increase.