PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) will carry out its 'SmartLane' initiative on a stretch of the North-South Expressway Central Link Expressway (Elite) starting from Thursday (June 1).
The public pilot will be implemented along the USJ-Seafield stretch to help smoothen the traffic flow during the morning rush hour.
PLUS Operations senior general manager Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz said the 'SmartLane' will be implemented on the USJ to Seafield stretch, between KM8.1 and KM6.1 (Northbound) on the ELITE highway, from 6.30am to 9.30am daily (except public holidays) starting from June 1 until Aug 31, 2023.
During this period, the far left most lane will be opened as an additional lane to increase the capacity of the existing lanes and help smoothen traffic during peak morning hours.
"When the 'SmartLane' is activated, highway users are allowed to temporarily enter and drive on the emergency lane as a measure to increase lane capacity before being directed to re enter the main highway lanes to continue their journey.
"However, highway users are strictly prohibited from using the shoulder/emergency lanes at other locations where no 'SmartLane' is activated," said Mohd Yusuf.
"Its aim is to optimize the utilization of all lanes and increase lane capacity to reduce traffic congestion on critical highway stretches.
"Based on PLUS' study and records, the convergence of traffic and the slight uphill terrain contribute to high traffic volume and slower movement on that particular stretch.
"Therefore, PLUS' proactive step to conduct a public pilot of the 'SmartLane' in the area is aimed at reducing traffic congestion faced by the public during peak hours on working days on the ELITE highway, while helping us improve our service level on the highway," he said.
Mohd Yusuf said the public pilot was conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Road Transport Department (RTD) and preparations for the implementation, included monitoring by the police, RTD personnel, and PLUSRonda teams, as well as installing traffic signs and providing additional tow trucks at the location in case of emergencies.
"On average, approximately 75,000 vehicles ply the USJ-Seafield stretch on the ELITE highway every day. Out of that number, 58% use the stretch simultaneously during peak hours in the morning," he added.
Highway users can identify the use of the 'SmartLane' through signage and traffic controllers placed at the location or keep up to date using PLUS’ social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter PLUSTrafik.
