SUKE Expressway Officially Opens – Phase 1 Cheras-Ampang opens to the public on September 16, free for the first month

The Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Overhead Expressway (SUKE) Senior Minister of Public Works Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof was officially launched, who announced that the new highway will be opened to the public at noon tomorrow (September 16).

Currently, fully completed phase 1 will be able to enter. This 16.6 km stretch of road extends from the unacceptable signature Cheras-Kajang Interchange to Bukit Antarabangsa. The section from Sri Petaling and Kesas (where Endah Parade is located) to Cheras-Kajang will open later.

However, the toll fee for the SUKE Expressway has not been announced yet Free passage for a month from opening day tomorrow. SUKE has three toll stations – Alam Damai, Bukit Teratai and Ampang. The latter two that are in the first phase are now open.

SUKE has 14 interchanges along the length of the main line 24.4 km (57.7 km if all interchanges are included), and these are Sri Petaling, Sungai Besi, Alam Damai, Cheras-Kajang, Cheras-Hartamas, Bukit Teratai, Tasik Tambahan, Permai, Kosas, Pekan Ampang, Ampang Point, Ulu Kelang, Hillview and Bukit Antarabangsa. As mentioned, the stretch that is currently open is from Cheras-Kajang (on Grand Saga, near Plaza Phoenix) to Bukit Antarabangsa.

The MRR2 alternative is connected to the aforementioned ring road, Kesas (at Sri Petaling), KL-Seremban Expressway, Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya), Grand Saga, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Expressway (AKLEH) and the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE). The future East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) will also be connected.

Concessionaire Prolintas (which also has AKLEH, Guthrie, LKSA and DASH coming soon in its highway portfolio) says that SUKE is an efficient traffic dispersion solution for the eastern part of KL, which is expected to reduce traffic Traffic on MRR2 down 30%, Jalan Ampang up 36% and Jalan Loke Yew up 12% during peak hours.

SUKE is not only useful but also unique. The elevated 90% highway has a few first feature in Malaysia and a nice perspective. We have detailed Malaysia’s first spiral ramp, a spiral that takes two turns at the Cheras-Kajang interchange before joining the highway. This was done out of necessity – Full story here.

You will join SUKE at its highest part. With a height of 56.4 meters, equivalent to an 18-storey building, this is the third highest elevated road in Malaysia, after Bukit Kukus couple road in Penang and Rawang’s Detour. The overhead segmented box girder extending across the junction is also the tallest superstructure to date in Malaysia – again, this was born out of necessity.

As you head towards Ampang from the CKE intersection, the KL skyline is on your left and the hills on your right. At Tasik Tambahan, a place high up on the hill has been devoted to R&R with F&B shops, like a “SUKE Lookout Point” with panoramic views of KL.

Another unique feature is at the Jalan Ampang area, where a split (split) structure design that allows sunlight to reach the Ampang River has also been directed. Sunlight is necessary for a healthy river ecosystem, so it’s a good move even at the higher cost. Under the highway structure is a linear park with a 1.6 km jogging trail.

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Another unique feature of SUKE is the majestic two-story structure at Alam Damai in Cheras, where each floor faces a different direction. This structure is in Phase 2, will open at a later date.

The SUKE Expressway Concession began on December 25, 2014 and will end on December 24, 2069, spanning 55 years.

In addition to SUKE, Prolintas also has Jalan Ampang . section upgrade runs beneath the new highway, as well as reconstructed buildings affected by the construction. Roads in hilly and crash prone areas Hulu Langat have also been upgraded with a new system and less extreme slopes – we’ve covered them all in detail impact mitigation and CSR initiatives herealong with eco-friendly measures such as Green Building Index (GBI) features for toll stations and full LED lighting (SUKE is 100% illuminated) here.

For more information on the signature spiral ramp, the highway’s highest point, and the stunning future hillside R&R – click here. Does SUKE benefit you? If yes, how does it fit into your daily commute and what do you think about the time achieved compared to the toll fee? Cheras and Kajang residents, what is your opinion?