Description of the Iskandar Coastal Highway
The Iskandar Coastal Highway (ICH), previously known as the Johor Bahru West Coast Parkway, is a major highway located in the Johor Bahru District, within the state of Johor, Malaysia. Officially referred to as Lebuhraya Pesisir Pantai Iskandar (LPPI) in Malay, this highway is an integral part of the Iskandar Malaysia project.
Route and Structure
The Iskandar Coastal Highway comprises several significant sections, including Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar, Persiaran Sultan Abu Bakar (previously Jalan Skudai and Jalan Abu Bakar), and Persiaran Sultan Ismail (formerly Jalan Ibrahim and Persiaran Tun Sri Lanang). These roads are designated as Federal Route 52, stretching from Iskandar Puteri to Danga Bay, and Johor State Route 1, extending from Danga Bay to the city center.
The highway is noteworthy for being a toll-free route, which enhances accessibility and travel convenience across the Iskandar Malaysia region. The highway is especially important for its east-west orientation, making it the fifth such expressway in the area, following the Pasir Gudang Highway, the Pontian-Johor Bahru Link of the Second Link Expressway, the Senai-Desaru Expressway, and the Johor Bahru East Coast Highway.
Interchanges and Connectivity
Several interchanges along the Iskandar Coastal Highway have been strategically developed to facilitate seamless connectivity. Key interchanges include the Skudai-TAR interchange, Taman Perling diamond interchange, Bukit Indah diamond interchange, Nusajaya North cloverleaf interchange, Legoland Malaysia interchange, and the Iskandar Puteri roundabout interchange. These interchanges are vital links that support the traffic flow between residential, commercial, and industrial hubs in the Johor Bahru region.
Development and Completion
The construction of the Iskandar Coastal Highway commenced in 2008 and reached completion in August 2011. This project involved the amalgamation of the previous Johor Bahru West Coast Parkway and the New Coastal Highway to form what is now known as the Iskandar Coastal Highway. The integration of these routes has been pivotal in enhancing the road network and promoting economic growth within Iskandar Malaysia.
By facilitating efficient transportation, the Iskandar Coastal Highway plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of the region, enabling easier access to key locations such as the Johor Bahru City Centre and other strategic destinations.