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{{Short description|Combined name for two major interstate expressways}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox road
| country = MYS
| type = E
| route = 1 and 2
| marker_image = {{Infobox road/shieldmain/MYS|type=E|route=1}}{{Infobox road/shieldmain/MYS|type=E|route=2}}
| alternate_name = North–South Expressway
| translation = {{Native name|zsm-Latn-MY|Lebuhraya Utara–Selatan|paren=omit}}
|lang=my
| allocation = {{Unbulleted list|{{MES-E|1}} [[North–South Expressway northern route]]|{{MES-E|1}} [[New Klang Valley Expressway]]|{{MES-E|2}} [[North–South Expressway southern route]]}}
| map = {{Location map+ |Malaysia West|width=300 |places=
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=6.277761 |long=100.461017 |label=[[Jitra]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=6.123145 |long=100.423595 |label=[[Alor Setar]] |position=right }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=5.649127 |long=100.452778 |label= [[Sungai Petani]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=5.429573 |long=100.3643 |label= [[Butterworth, Seberang Perai|Butterworth]] |position=left}}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=4.84622 |long=100.777046 |label=[[Taiping, Perak|Taiping]] |position=top}}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=4.598755 |long=101.133943 |label=[[Ipoh]]|position=left }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=4.469642 |long=101.187637 |label=[[Gopeng]] |position=right }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=4.203901 |long=101.264456 |label=[[Tapah]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=3.6865 |long=101.532938 |label= [[Tanjung Malim]] |position=left}}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=3.33247 |long=101.603424 |label= [[Rawang, Selangor|Rawang]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=3.14163 |long=101.724361 |label=[[Kuala Lumpur]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=3.0449 |long=101.4456|label=[[Klang (city)|Klang]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=2.713081 |long=101.970738 |label= [[Seremban]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=2.37432 |long=102.213317 |label=[[Alor Gajah]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=2.191214 |long=102.248162 |label=[[Malacca City]] }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=2.01624 |long=103.053428 |label=[[Yong Peng]]|position=left }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=1.929881 |long=103.194015 |label=[[Ayer Hitam]] |position=right }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=1.533611 |long=103.647244 |label=[[Skudai]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |Malaysia West|lat=1.461173 |long=103.755746 |label= [[Johor Bahru]] }}
}}
| map_custom = yes
| map_notes = Route of the North–South Expressway
| maint = [[PLUS Expressways]]
| length_km = 748
| length_round =
| length_ref =
| length_notes = {{MES-E|1}} Northern route: {{convert|460|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{MES-E|2}} Southern route: {{convert|312|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| formed = 1981<ref name="jkr3" />
| history = Completed in 1994<ref name="hids4" />
| direction_a = North
| terminus_a = [[Bukit Kayu Hitam]], [[Kedah]]
| junction = {{em|See individual expressway articles for details}}
| direction_b = South
| terminus_b = [[Johor Bahru]], [[Johor]]
| cities = [[Alor Setar]], [[Seberang Perai]], [[Ipoh]], [[Greater Kuala Lumpur]], [[Seremban]], [[Johor Bahru]]
| ahn = {{Jct|country=MYS|AH|2}}
}}
The '''North–South Expressway''' is a network of [[Toll road|tolled]] [[controlled-access highway]]s running through the west coast of [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. The expressway network consists of the [[North–South Expressway northern route|northern]] and [[North–South Expressway southern route|southern]] route, having a total length of {{convert|772|km|mi|abbr=off}}. Running through seven states and connecting the [[Malaysia–Thailand border|Thailand]] and [[Malaysia–Singapore border|Singapore]] borders, the North–South Expressway is an important thoroughfare for local, interstate and international traffic. The expressway is part of route [[AH2]], a designation of the [[Asian Highway Network]].<ref name="asian-highway">{{cite web |url = http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/common/tis/ah/Member%20countries.asp|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130125061637/http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/common/tis/ah/Member%20countries.asp|title = Asian Highway Database: AH Network in Member Countries|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|archive-date = 25 January 2013|publisher = [[United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific]]|access-date = 19 September 2015}}</ref>
The expressways were first conceived in 1977 due to increasing congestion on [[Malaysia Federal Route 1|federal route 1]], which was the main north–south thoroughfare at the time. However, economic uncertainties and the high cost meant that construction did not begin until 1981. The expressway began opening in stages from 1982, but the economic downturn at the time meant that construction had stalled and the work had to be fully privatised. The expressways were finally completed in 1994, with the tolls collected from the operational sections funding the remainder of the construction work.
==Overview==
{{further|North–South Expressway Northern Route#Overview|North–South Expressway Southern Route#Overview}}
The North–South Expressway is divided into 2 main routes – the [[North–South Expressway northern route|northern]] (route E1) and the [[North–South Expressway southern route|southern]] (route E2). Both routes run parallel to the [[Malaysia Federal Route 1|federal route 1]] from [[Johor Bahru]] to [[Bukit Kayu Hitam]]. Each component expressway begins at the furthest end of the expressway from Kuala Lumpur. While the E2 terminates at the Selangor–Kuala Lumpur border, the E1 ends at Bukit Lanjan before proceeding to the city via the [[New Klang Valley Expressway]], which is also gazetted as route E1. The E1 and E2 expressways are linked together via the [[North–South Expressway Central Link|North–South Expressway Central Link, E6]].<ref name="jkr-inventori">{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Inventori Rangkaian Jalan Utama Persekutuan Semenanjung Malaysia |___location=[[Kuala Lumpur]] |publisher=[[Malaysian Ministry of Works]] |pages=58–64 |date=2009 |isbn=978-983-44278-2-5 }}</ref><ref name="plus1">{{cite web|url = http://plus.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=182&lang=en|title = Our Expressways: North–South Expressway (NSE)|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|publisher = [[PLUS Expressways|PLUS Malaysia Berhad]]|access-date = 19 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150926202116/http://plus.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=182&lang=en|archive-date = 26 September 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref>
While most of the expressway was construct according to JKR R6 design standards being defined in the ''Arahan Teknik 8/86: A Guide on Geometric Design of Roads'' ([[controlled-access highway|controlled-access expressway]] with design speed limit of 120 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]] and lane width of 3.5 m), the Jitra–Bukit Kayu Hitam section does not adhere to the JKR R6 standards and was [[grandfather clause|grandfathered]] as part of the E1 expressway, as the section was constructed before the ''Arahan Teknik 8/86'' was published by the [[Malaysian Public Works Department]] in 1986.<ref name="blogjalanraya" />[[File:hills beside Ipoh-Taiping NSE.jpg|230px|thumb|right|Along [[North–South Expressway northern route]] near [[Ipoh]], [[Perak]]]][[File:NorthSouth-Expressway.jpg|thumb|right|230px|[[North–South Expressway southern route|South section]] of North–South Expressway, facing towards Kuala Lumpur, near Ayer Keroh, Malacca]]
==History==
{{further|Chronology of the Malaysian Expressway System|Malaysia Federal Route 1#History}}
The North–South Expressway was constructed due to the congestion along the [[Malaysia Federal Route 1|federal route 1]] as a result of increasing traffic. In 1977, the government proposed to build a new north–south divided highway as an alternative to the federal route 1.<ref name="jkr3">{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Roads in Malaysia |___location=[[Kuala Lumpur]] |publisher=[[Malaysian Ministry of Works]] |page=204 |date=2011 |isbn=978-967-5399-17-6 }}</ref> The proposal to build the new highway was mooted as a result of the severe congestion along the Federal Route 1.<ref name="blogjalanraya">{{cite web |url = http://blogjalanraya.blogspot.com/2015/04/sejarah-lengkap-lebuhraya-utara-selatan.html|title = Sejarah lengkap Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan E1 dan E2|language = ms|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 20 April 2015|website = Blog Jalan Raya Malaysia|access-date = 31 May 2015}}</ref> Because of the large cost of the project, the highway was planned to be privatised and tolled, but none of the constructors being invited by the government were willing to do the job due to economic uncertainties at that time and the plan could not be materialised.<ref name="jkr3" /><ref name="blogjalanraya" /> It was only after [[Mahathir Mohamad]] became the Prime Minister that the North–South Expressway project was revived. The project was launched in 1981.<ref name="jkr3" />
The [[Malaysian Highway Authority]] was established on 24 October 1980 to supervise and execute the design, construction, regulation, operation and maintenance of inter-urban highways, to impose and collect tolls, to enter into contracts and to provide for matters connected therewith.<ref name="llm">{{cite web|url = http://www.llm.gov.my/background_EN.aspx|title = Corporate Info: Background|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|publisher = [[Malaysian Highway Authority]]|access-date = 19 September 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150831001247/http://www.llm.gov.my/background_EN.aspx|archive-date = 31 August 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> At that time, all construction works of the expressway between 1982 and 1988 was solely administered by [[Malaysian Highway Authority]] before being transferred to [[PLUS Expressways|Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad]] on 13 May 1988.
The construction of the expressway was done in stages. As the construction works continued, segments of the highway were opened to traffic as they were finished to help fund the construction works. The Jitra–Bukit Kayu Hitam section was constructed as an upgrade of the existing Federal Route 1 section into a divided highway with partial access control and [[at-grade intersection]]s.<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> At that time, the construction of the [[Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway]] was ongoing, and therefore the expressway would later form the pioneer route for the [[North–South Expressway southern route|southern route]]. The Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway, which was opened on 16 June 1982, was the first completed section of the North–South Expressway project and became the first expressway to implement the [[ticket system]] (closed toll system),<ref name="hids">{{cite web|url = http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=4710|title = Pembukaan Plaza Tol Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur-Seremban|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 16 June 1982|website = Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher = [[National Archives of Malaysia]]|access-date = 31 May 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192117/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=4710|archive-date = 14 July 2014|df = dmy-all}}</ref> then followed by the Jitra–Bukit Kayu Hitam section in 1985.<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> Unlike the other sections of the North–South Expressway, the Jitra–Bukit Kayu Hitam section did not comply with the expressway standards defined by the ''Arahan Teknik 8/86: A Guide on Geometric Design of Roads'' which was only published by the [[Malaysian Public Works Department]] (JKR) later in 1986, resulting the section to be [[grandfather clause|grandfathered]] as a part of the North–South Expressway E1.<ref name="blogjalanraya" />
The third section being opened to motorists was the Seberang Jaya–Perai section. The section was constructed as a part of the [[Penang Bridge]] project; hence, the section forms the pioneer route for the Penang section of the North–South Expressway.<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> The Seberang Jaya–Perai section, together with the Penang Bridge, was opened on 14 September 1985.<ref name="hids2">{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=14 September 1985|title=Jambatan Pulau Pinang Dirasmikan|url=http://hids.arkib.gov.my/#/index_peristiwa?q=&day=14&month=9&year=1985|access-date=31 May 2015|website=Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher=[[National Archives of Malaysia]]}}</ref>
Meanwhile, the 27.3-km [[Skudai Highway]] was constructed in Johor Bahru as another upgrade of route 1 in the south. The toll road had two toll plazas at the Senai and at the [[Johor Causeway]].<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> It was constructed by the [[Malaysian Public Works Department]] (JKR) before being handed over to Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) in November 1985.<ref name="hids3">{{cite web|url = http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=8030|title = Perasmian Penutupan Plaza Tol Senai, Lebuh Raya Senai-Tampoi|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 1 March 2004|website = Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher = [[National Archives of Malaysia]]|access-date = 31 May 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119121557/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=8030|archive-date = 19 January 2016|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The extensive urbanisation of Johor Bahru however had rendered the Skudai Highway FT1 to be unsuitable to become a part of the North–South Expressway E2, as the Skudai Highway FT1 is not a [[controlled-access highway]]. Nevertheless, the toll road and the North–South Expressway were acquired by [[PLUS Expressways|Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad]].<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> However, various parties especially residents of Senai and political parties urged that the toll collection be abolished due to the lack of toll-free alternative. As a result, the toll collection at Senai toll plaza was abolished on 1 March 2004.<ref name="utusan1">{{cite web |url = http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2004&dt=0301&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_03.htm|title = Plaza tol Senai akhiri operasi|language = ms|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 1 March 2004|work = [[Utusan Malaysia]]|access-date = 20 September 2015}}</ref> After the toll collection at Senai was abolished, the highway had been maintained by the [[Malaysian Public Works Department]].<ref name="utusan2">{{cite web |url = http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2004&dt=0302&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_10.htm|title = Penduduk gembira Tol Senai ditutup|language = ms|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 2 March 2004|work = [[Utusan Malaysia]]|access-date = 20 September 2015}}</ref> The Johor Causeway toll plaza remained in operation until 2008,<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> when the former Johor Bahru CIQ Complex was closed and replaced by the [[Sultan Iskandar Building|Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex]], and the access to the new CIQ complex and the [[Johor–Singapore Causeway]] is provided by the [[Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway]].
The next completed sections were the Ipoh–Changkat Jering and Senawang–Ayer Keroh sections in 1987.<ref name="hids5">{{cite web |url=http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=6826&y=2017&m=8 |title=Pembukaan Rasmi Lebuh Raya Ipoh-Changkat Jering |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=28 September 1987 |website=Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah |publisher=[[National Archives of Malaysia]] |access-date=31 May 2015 |archive-date=19 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119105849/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=6826&y=2017&m=8 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="blogjalanraya" /> The Senawang–Ayer Keroh section was built as an extension of the Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway. The toll collection of the Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway was from Sungai Besi to Labu. As a result of the completion of the Senawang–Ayer Keroh section, the old Labu Toll Plaza was demolished and was replaced by three toll plaza interchanges at Exit 218 Seremban Interchange, Exit 219 Port Dickson Interchange and Exit 220 Senawang Interchange; the Senawang Interchange was constructed by rerouting the through traffic to Ayer Keroh and southwards.<ref name="blogjalanraya" />
During the initial phases, the North–South Expressway project was criticized for its sluggish progress pace. As of 1986, only about 350 km (or two-thirds of the entire length) of the expressway was completed.<ref name="jkr3" /> The work progress became worse due to the nationwide economic setback caused by the falling prices of commodities like rubber and tin.<ref name="blogjalanraya" /> As a result, the government had to revise its initial policy of having the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to execute the entire construction job and decided to have the expressway project to be privatised, citing the success of the privatisation of the [[North Klang Straits Bypass]] in 1985 by Shapadu<ref name="jkr3" /> A letter of intention was sent to United Engineers (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (now [[UEM Group]]) on 29 December 1986 before being finalised in 1988.<ref name="hids6">{{cite web|url = http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=710&y=2007&m=4|title = UEM Tandatangani Perjanjian Dengan JKR Untuk Pembinaan Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 29 December 1986|website = Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher = [[National Archives of Malaysia]]|access-date = 31 May 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925114823/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=710&y=2007&m=4|archive-date = 25 September 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The privatisation agreement had led to the formation of Highway Concessionaires Berhad which would later become [[PLUS Expressways|Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad]] (PLUS). PLUS took over the construction, operation and maintenance jobs of the North–South Expressway from LLM starting from March 1998, together with the Skudai Highway FT1.<ref name="plus2">{{cite web|url = http://plus.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=142&lang=en|title = Subsidiaries: Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|publisher = [[PLUS Expressways|PLUS Malaysia Berhad]]|access-date = 19 September 2015|archive-date = 31 May 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150531052133/http://www.plus.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=142&lang=en|url-status = dead}}</ref>
After the North–South Expressway project was privatised in 1988, the construction work progress continued at a faster pace. The first section completed by PLUS was the Ayer Keroh–Pagoh section on 5 April 1989.<ref name="hids7">{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=5 April 1989|title=Perasmian Lebuhraya Ayer Keroh-Pagoh|url=http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=2017&y=2016&m=3|url-status=live|access-date=24 September 2015|website=Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher=[[National Archives of Malaysia]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925114819/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=2017&y=2016&m=3|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
By March 1990, PLUS had given 40 civil works contracts for the construction of the North-South Expressway and the North Klang Valley Expressway.<ref>{{cite news |title=Highway contract for Ho Hup-Panzana |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19900316-1.2.15.3 |access-date=27 April 2024 |work=Business Times (Singapore) |date=16 March 1990}}</ref>
In May 1992, UEM began accelerating the construction of North-South Expressway, ahead of the deadline of the concession agreement set for May 1995. By 1992, PLUS had already given 41 contracts worth RM 4.7 billion.<ref>{{cite news |title=UEM to complete North-South Expressway ahead of deadline |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19920513-1.2.14.4 |access-date=27 April 2024 |work=Business Times (Singapore) |date=13 May 1992}}</ref>
The 31-km [[New Klang Valley Expressway]] (NKVE) E1 was opened on 11 January 1993, connecting major cities in the [[Klang Valley]] with the North–South Expressway northern route.<ref name="hids8">{{cite web|url = http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=7815|title = Perasmian Lebuhraya Baru Lembah Klang|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 11 January 1993|website = Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher = [[National Archives of Malaysia]]|access-date = 24 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925113244/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=7815|archive-date = 25 September 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> The remaining sections were opened gradually<ref>{{cite news |title=Northern and Southern exposure |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940828-1.2.48.8.2 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=28 August 1994}}</ref> until the entire expressway was fully completed and opened in February 1994, 15 months ahead of schedule.<ref name="press"/>
The expressway was officially opened on 8 September 1994<ref name="press"/><ref name="hids4"/> by [[Prime Minister of Malaysia|Malaysian prime minister]] at that time, [[Mahathir Mohamad]],<ref name="hids4"/> at the Rawang rest area.<ref name="press">{{cite news |title=KL to press on with privatisation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940909-1.2.33.1?qt=rawang,%20selangor&q=rawang%20selangor |work=The Straits Times |agency=Bernama, AFP |date=9 September 1994}}</ref> After the North–South Expressway was completed in 1994, the expressway took the role of the Federal Route 1 as the main backbone route in Peninsular Malaysia.<ref name="hids4">{{cite web|url = http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=8503|title = Perasmian Penyempurnaan Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date = 8 October 1994|website = Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah|publisher = [[National Archives of Malaysia]]|access-date = 31 May 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119122333/http://hids.arkib.gov.my/readarticle.php?article_id=8503|archive-date = 19 January 2016|df = dmy-all}}</ref>
==Monuments==
[[File:NSEMonument 1 20230909.jpg|thumb|The North–South Expressway Monument facing north]]
The North–South Expressway Monument was erected at Rawang Rest and Service Area (R&R) (North bound) near Rawang, Selangor on 8 September 1994. A capsule was put in place that contains documents that have been cultivated by the fourth prime minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad in conjunction with the official opening of the North–South Expressway on 8 September 1994. The capsule will be released after the expiry of the concession of the North–South Expressway by PLUS Expressways on 31 December 2038.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/28/plus-federal-highway-concession-period-only-supposed-to-end-in-2038/| title = PLUS: Federal Highway concession period only ends in 2038 {{!}} The Star}} </ref>
[[File:NSEMonument 2 20230909.jpg|thumb|Inscription of the completion of North-South Expressway]]
[[File:NSEMonument 3 20230909.jpg|thumb|North-South Expressway Inscription Stone in Malay]]
The monument is inscribed in Malay. The English version reads:
<blockquote>
"This monument symbolizes the pinnacle of successful for the construction of the North–South Expressway that connects Bukit Kayu Hitam bordering with Thailand in the North to Johor Bahru in the Causeway bordering with Singapore in the South. The construction of the 848km expressway, across the peat swamps and forests and hill untapped granite hills, is an amazing achievement. Also impressive is the pragmatic way in which the combined efforts between the public and private sectors has resulted in this achievement. The expressways is the result of joint efforts of the Malaysian Highway Authority, a statutory body, which has been planned early and begin construction, with the Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad (PLUS) (North–South Expressway Project), a private company that was awarded concessions to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the expressways. Such efforts shows an improvement visions into a reality after across a variety of challenges that threaten to stop. It acknowledged the success of the Government and represents a national effort funded and operated successfully by Malaysians. This monument also commemorates the efforts of leaders of the Government, public services, businesses, financial institutions, consultants, engineers and consultants, as well as contractors and labours, which has played an important role in facing their challenges and bring this project to a level of success. Those who use this expressway will be expected not only to enjoy the various parties in the construction efforts, but also can even appreciate this expressway contribution towards national development."</blockquote>
==Improvements==
===Six-lane widening works===
Plans to upgrade the stretches from [[Slim River]] to [[Tanjung Malim]], [[Tanjung Malim]] to [[Rawang, Selangor|Rawang]] (Northern route), [[Seremban]] to [[Senawang]], and [[Senawang]] to [[Ayer Keroh]] ([[North–South Expressway southern route|Southern route]]) was approved by the government for better traffic flow. It was completed in 2007.
===Kuala Lumpur–Penang through traffic (Ipoh North (Jelapang)–Ipoh South)===
The Jelapang and Ipoh South toll plazas were demolished in 2009 to make a non-stop route across [[Ipoh]]. This is achieved through the construction of two [[local-express lanes]] for each side, which are only accessible via Exit 138 Ipoh South Exit (for northbound traffic) and Exit 141 Ipoh North Exit (for southbound traffic). The toll plazas in Ipoh are therefore relocated at each ends of the local-express lanes.
The decision to demolish both toll plazas was made as a result of accidents which happened at Jelapang toll plaza. Since the toll plaza was opened on 28 September 1987, there were many accident cases which involved brake failure in heavy vehicles due to hard braking when proceeding downhill to the toll plaza. On 7 June 2008, the new Ipoh North toll plaza (South bound) replacing old Jelapang toll plaza opened to traffic, followed by north bound on 15 August 2008. Beginning 11:00 am on 14 July 2009, the Kuala Lumpur–Penang through traffic is now opened to traffic. With the opening of the {{convert|14.7|km|mi|adj=on}} between Ipoh North (Jelapang) and Ipoh South stretch, highway users are no longer required to stop for toll transactions at the Ipoh North and Ipoh South Toll Plazas.
===Fourth lane additions===
In July 2010, the operator PLUS Expressways Berhad announced that the government has awarded contracts to build a fourth lane on certain stretches of the highway, namely from [[Shah Alam]] to [[Jalan Duta]], from Shah Alam to [[Rawang, Selangor|Rawang]] and from [[Nilai|Nilai (North)]] to [[Port Dickson]]. The upgrading works for this project began in October 2012 and was completed in 2015.
=== LED Light Upgrades ===
Plus Expressways Berhad changes older [[Sodium-vapor lamp]] lighting to a new [[LED lamp]] lighting when needed frequently. The [[North–South Expressway southern route]] from Sungai Besi Toll Plaza to Nilai Utara exit and most of [[North–South Expressway Central Link]] lighting was changed. In the [[North–South Expressway northern route]], lighting was added to sharp turns and hazardous sections. ([[Tempurung Cave|Gua Tempurung]] stretch and Kuala Kangsar–Jelapang stretch which are both highland roads with dangerous corners)
=== RFID Tag Addition ===
[[File:MyRFid Kota Damansara Toll Plaza 2.jpg|thumb|RFID lane at Kota Damansara Toll Plaza.]]
On 16 December 2021, the North-South Expressway completes its RFID Tag [[MyRFID|<span style="padding:1px .2em; background-color:#e6e6e6; color:#214682; font-weight:bold;">My</span><span style="padding:1px .2em; background-color:#e6e6e6; color:#ff0000; font-weight:bold;">RFID</span>]] network thus making all tolled roads on the west coast of [[Peninsular Malaysia]] have a [[MyRFID|<span style="padding:1px .2em; background-color:#e6e6e6; color:#214682; font-weight:bold;">My</span><span style="padding:1px .2em; background-color:#e6e6e6; color:#ff0000; font-weight:bold;">RFID</span>]] toll booth.
==Carriageways==
Generally the expressway consists of four lanes, two for each direction.
There are some exceptions to this; the following are stretches with six lanes or eight lanes (three or four each way)
===Six-lane carriageways===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Highways||Stretches
|-
|[[North–South Expressway southern route]]||[[Sungai Besi]] to [[Lebuh Ayer Keroh|Ayer Keroh]] (except [[Nilai|Nilai North]] to [[Port Dickson]] stretches)
|-
|[[New Klang Valley Expressway]]||[[Bukit Raja]] to [[Shah Alam]]
|-
|[[North–South Expressway northern route]]||Rawang to Slim River
|-
|[[North–South Expressway northern route]]||Sungai Dua to Juru located at [[Penang]]
|-
|[[North–South Expressway Central Link]]||Shah Alam to Nilai North
|-
|[[Second Link Expressway]]||Pulai to [[Ayer Rajah Expressway]] ([[Tuas]], [[Singapore]])
|-
|[[Penang Bridge]]||[[Perai|Prai]] to [[Gelugor]]
|}
===Eight-lane carriageways===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Highways||Stretches
|-
|[[North–South Expressway southern route]]||[[Nilai|Nilai North]] to [[Port Dickson]]
|-
|[[New Klang Valley Expressway]]||[[Shah Alam]] to [[Jalan Duta]]
|-
|[[North–South Expressway northern route]]||Bukit Lanjan to Rawang
|}
==Speed limit==
North–South Expressway is designed as a high-speed long distance expressway therefore the default speed limit on the expressway is 110 km/h (68 mph), but there are some exceptions in some places for several reasons, including:-
* 1 km before every toll plaza: 60 km/h ''(to help the traffic to slow down)''
* Bukit Kayu Hitam–Jitra stretch: 90 km/h ''(expressway section with at-grade junctions)'' (Kedah)
* Sungai Dua–Juru: 90 km/h '' (due to heavy traffic at Penang Bridge)'' (Penang)
* Kuala Kangsar–Jelapang stretch: 80 km/h ''(highland stretch with dangerous corners)'' (Perak)
* Jelapang–Ipoh South stretch: 90 km/h for main carriageways; 70 km/h for toll-free local-express lanes ''(to control the traffic flow of the non-stop main carriageways and the toll-free local-express lanes)'' (Perak)
* Gua Tempurung stretch: 90 km/h ''(highland stretch)'' (Perak)
* Bukit Lanjan Interchange: 80 km/h ''(to control traffic flow of [[New Klang Valley Expressway|NKVE]] and the main link of [[North–South Expressway northern route|northern route]] to avoid accidents)'' (Selangor)
* Bukit Lanjan–Jalan Duta stretch: 90 km/h ''(steep uphill/downhill stretch)'' (Kuala Lumpur)
* Sungai Besi–Bangi stretch: 90 km/h ''(due to high traffic capacity)'' (Kuala Lumpur-Selangor)
==Notable accidents==
* On 6 January 1996, a landslide at KM303.8 resulted in a lorry driver being killed. The old route section where the landslide occurred was abandoned and a new route constructed near [[Gopeng]], [[Perak]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Detik Tragik {{!}} Episod 7|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8uIrOEAnxU|language=en|access-date=2021-05-30}}</ref>
*On 13 August 2007, 20 people were killed in a bus crash near [[Changkat Jering]], [[Perak]].
* On 27 March 2008, a Singaporean family of 4 were killed in an accident along North–South Expressway near Tangkak, Johor, leaving behind a 2-month-old baby.
* On 7 December 2008, 10 passengers were killed in a bus crash at KM146.8 between [[Tangkak]] and [[Pagoh]], [[Johor]].
* On 13 April 2009, six people were killed in double decker express bus crash at KM443 near [[Rawang, Selangor|Rawang]], [[Selangor]].
* On 26 December 2009, ten passengers were killed and two injured after a northbound double-decker express bus skidded and hit the road divider at KM272.8 about 8 km from the Ipoh South toll plaza near [[Ipoh]], [[Perak]].
* On 10 October 2010, twelve people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a [[2010 North–South Expressway crash|highway crash]] involving two buses, three cars and a van at KM223, near the [[Simpang Ampat, Malacca|Simpang Ampat]] interchange, [[Malacca]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/11/nation/7201269&sec=nation |work=The Star |title=12 killed in horror crash near NS-Malacca border |date=2010-10-10 |accessdate=2010-10-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011212300/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F10%2F11%2Fnation%2F7201269&sec=nation |archivedate=2010-10-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/12dieinhighwaypile-up/Article/|work=New Straits Times|title=12 die in highway pile-up|date=2010-10-10 |accessdate=2010-10-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012012936/http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/12dieinhighwaypile-up/Article/|archivedate=2010-10-12}}</ref>
* On 12 May 2022, five [[Sultan Azlan Shah University]] students were killed at KM246 near [[Kuala Kangsar (town)|Kuala Kangsar]] in a crash involving two trailers.
* On 27 March 2025, five people including a two-year-old child and a [[Batik Air Malaysia|Batik Air]] flight attendant were killed, while eight others were injured, in a four-vehicle collision at KM58.1 near [[Simpang Renggam]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 March 2025 |title=Five dead, including toddler, in fiery four-vehicle crash on PLUS highway near Kluang |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/28/five-dead-including-toddler-in-fiery-four-vehicle-crash-on-plus-highway-near-kluang/171170 |work=Malay Mail}}</ref>
==Measures taken to reduce accidents==
[[
Most heavy vehicles are only allowed to travel
It has been recently decided that the two-lane 110 km/h highway will be upgraded to a three-lane 110 km/h highway to prevent accidents, however another lane was being added on the selected stretches to increase it to four lanes.
==Toll system==
[[File:Nse-kl-toll.JPG|thumb|right|Toll booths at Sungai Besi Toll Plaza, leading to Kuala Lumpur. Almost all of the southern section of the expressway is covered by the closed system.]]
[[File:Toll plaza with Smart Tag and Touch & Go lanes.jpg|thumb|Toll plaza with SmartTAG and Touch 'n Go lanes]]
The North–South Expressway is a toll expressway. Since 26 April 2017, all toll plazas are fully [[electronic toll collection|electronic]] with cash no longer being accepted. Payment is done by the [[Touch 'n Go]] electronic payment system through the use of Touch 'n Go cards, PLUSMiles Touch 'n Go cards, [[SmartTAG]] and [[Touch 'n Go RFID]].
The North–South Expressway uses two toll systems:-
* [[Ticket system]] or closed system – Users enter the expressway via an entry toll plaza where the entry is recorded, and pay a distance-based toll at the exit toll plaza. Users must use the same Touch 'n Go card or the same type of electronic payment method to enter and exit the expressway. The majority of the North-South Expressway is covered under the closed system:
# Hutan Kampung (Kedah) to [[Sungai Dua, Butterworth]] (Penang) on the northern route;
# [[Juru, Malaysia|Juru]] (Penang) to [[Bukit Lanjan]] (Selangor) on the northern route, where the expressway and toll system continue onto the NKVE;
# [[Sungai Besi]] (Selangor) to [[Skudai]] (Johor) on the southern route.
:The section between Sungai Dua and Juru is toll-free due to heavy usage by local commuters to access [[Penang Bridge]]. The section between Jelapang (Ipoh North) and Ipoh South was previously toll-free as well with a break in the closed system, however, in 2009 the section was converted to a local-express lane system with through traffic on the express lane remaining within the closed system.
:In addition, the closed toll systems of the New Klang Valley Expressway and the North-South Expressway Central Link are integrated with the North-South Expressway closed system. Therefore, it is possible to travel between Juru and Skudai without leaving the toll system.
* [[Barrier toll system|Barrier system]] or open system – Users pay a fixed rate depending on vehicle type when passing through the toll plaza. There are two toll plazas using the open system:
# [[Jitra]] (Kedah) on the northern route;
# [[Kempas]] (Johor) on the southern route.
==Records==
[[File:Machap Rest Area (Northbound).jpg|thumb|Machap Rest and Service Area]]
[[File:Photo of Menora Tunnel entrance.jpg|thumb|right|Menora Tunnel]]
* North–South Expressway is Malaysia's first long-distance [[Controlled-access highway|expressway]] as well as Malaysia's longest expressway.
* [[Menora Tunnel]], an {{convert|800|m|abbr=on}} tunnel on the North–South Expressway northern route near Jelapang, was once Malaysia's longest highway tunnel at the time of its construction.
* The largest toll plaza in Malaysia is Bandar Cassia-PLUS Toll Plaza (Gateway Arch Toll Plaza) in [[Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge|Penang Second Bridge]] E28 with over 28 lanes (excluding additional motorcycle toll plaza). The second largest toll plaza is Sungai Besi Toll Plaza in [[North–South Expressway southern route]] E2 with over 18 lanes (excluding additional toll booths).
* The longest bridge along the expressway is Sungai Perak Bridge ([[Jambatan Sultan Azlan Shah]]) with the length of {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}}.
* The first rest and service area on the North–South Expressway is the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area in the North–South Expressway southern route opened in 1987.
* North–South Expressway is the first expressway in Malaysia that provides overhead bridge restaurants.
* The longest flyover bridge along the NSE network is Batu Tiga flyover in the North–South Expressway Central Link.
* The most expensive section of the expressway is the Gopeng–Tapah section. At RM200 million, it costed any average of RM 20 million per kilometre. Embankment strengthening is the major contributor for this escalating cost.
* The longest stretch of the North–South Expressway network is the Pagoh–Yong Peng (North) section. This 47-kilometre stretch passing [[Mount Maokil]] and the plains of [[Seri Medan]] and [[Sungai Sarang Buaya]].
* The PLUS Speedway (formerly ELITE Speedway) in [[UEP Subang Jaya|USJ]] Rest and Service Area on [[North–South Expressway Central Link]] is the first highway go-kart circuit in Malaysia.
* North–South Expressway forms 80% of Malaysian part of the [[Asian Highway Network]], specifically [[Asian Highway Network 2]] {{Jct|country=MYS|AH|2}}. The other expressways in Malaysia included in the route are [[Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway]] and [[Johor Causeway]].
* The [[Nilai Memorial Park]] near Nilai Layby on [[North–South Expressway southern route]] is the first closed tolled expressway public memorial park in Malaysia.
* The PLUS Art Gallery in [[Ayer Keroh]] Overhead Bridge Restaurant (OBR) is the first highway art gallery in Malaysia.
* [[Kempas Highway]] (Johor State Route J3) is the only [[Malaysian State Roads system|state route]] ever built by an expressway concessionaire company (PLUS Expressway Berhad).
* The Machap Rest and Service Area (northbound) at the [[North–South Expressway southern route]] {{MES-E|2}} is the first fully air-conditioned [[rest area]] in Malaysia, after it was renovated during mid-2008.
* The [[Sungai Perak]] Rest and Service Area (southbound) at the [[North–South Expressway northern route]] E1 in [[Perak]] is the first rest and service area in the Malaysian expressway to have an [[eco-management]] theme known as "The Green Trail" ({{langx|ms|"Jejak Hijau"}}).
* [[PLUSMiles]] is the first and only toll rebate loyalty programme in the Malaysian expressways.
* The longest closed toll collection system coverage in Malaysia is from Juru toll plaza to Skudai toll plaza (previously Ipoh South toll plaza to Skudai toll plaza), which runs through the [[North–South Expressway northern route]] E1, [[New Klang Valley Expressway]] E1, [[North–South Expressway Central Link]] E6 and [[North–South Expressway southern route]] E2.
* The [[North–South Expressway northern route]] E1 is the only expressway in Malaysia to have a [[runaway truck ramp]] near Jelapang, Ipoh.
== Junction list ==
''For junction list, see [[North–South Expressway Northern Route]], [[North–South Expressway Central Link]] and [[North–South Expressway Southern Route]].''
<!-- do not add junction list here. this article is about north south expressway (as a whole) -->
==Commemorative events==
[[Pos Malaysia]] issued commemorative postage stamps to mark the opening of the North–South Expressway on 10 September 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |last=mudah.my |title=1994 North-South Expressway Malaysia Stamp UM S |url=https://www.mudah.my/1994+North+South+Expressway+Malaysia+Stamp+UM+S-18409672.htm }}</ref> The denominations for these stamps were 30 sen, 50 sen, and RM1.00.
==See also==
* [[Malaysian
* [[Malaysia Federal Route 1]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.plus.com.my PLUS Expressway Berhad]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071012031247/http://www.plus.com.my/plusberhad/INDEX.ASP PLUS]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050830033948/http://www.
* [http://www.rilek.com.my/pdrm/IPC/PDRM_SummonsInq.jsp Malaysian traffic summons lookup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060411085854/http://www.rilek.com.my/pdrm/IPC/PDRM_SummonsInq.jsp |date=11 April 2006 }}
{{Malaysian Expressway System}}
{{PLUS Expressways}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:North-South Expressway (Malaysia)}}
[[Category:Infrastructure completed in 1994]]
[[Category:1994 establishments in Malaysia]]
[[Category:North–South Expressway (Malaysia)| ]]
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