The Kuantan Port Interchange on the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2) opened to traffic today, providing a direct link to Federal Route FT3 between Kuantan and Kemaman while improving access to Balok, Gebeng and surrounding industrial areas.
Located at KM264 between the Jabor and Cheneh toll plazas, the interchange began operations at 6 am. It is the 11th interchange on LPT2 and the first LPT2 toll plaza in Pahang.The new route is expected to cut travel time by up to 30 minutes for motorists travelling from Terengganu or Kuala Lumpur towards Beserah, Balok, Gebeng, Cherating and nearby industrial areas.
It is also expected to ease traffic on the federal route by reducing the overlap between long-distance and local traffic around residential areas, schools, businesses and public facilities.
Beyond improving traffic flow, the interchange provides more direct access to Kuantan Port, Kuantan Port City, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) and other nearby industrial areas. This is expected to support growing transport and logistics activity as development in the area expands.
A Traffic Impact Assessment found that developments around Kuantan Port and MCKIP could generate more than 20,000 vehicles a day once fully realised. A portion of that traffic is expected to use LPT2 through the new interchange, depending on the pace of development and future economic activity.
The interchange was developed by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council and is operated by LPT2 Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PLUS Malaysia Bhd.
To support users, the seven-lane toll plaza has three entry lanes and four exit lanes, along with toilets, a prayer room, rest shelters and parking facilities.
The official opening ceremony was held yesterday and officiated by Pahang Menteri Besar Dato’ Sri Diraja Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
