Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
Overview
The Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK Expressway) is a crucial highway serving the southern part of the Klang Valley in Malaysia. Completed in the mid-2000s and operated by Prolintas Group Berhad, it plays an essential role in easing traffic between Kajang, Bangi, and Semenyih. The expressway provides efficient connectivity for commuters, logistics operators, and travelers, linking residential, commercial, and industrial areas while supporting trade and regional mobility.
The Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (Kajang SILK Highway), designated E18, is a Malaysian expressway in Selangor that serves as a primary ring road around the city of Kajang, regulating traffic flow in the area. The 37 km expressway is to allow motorists to bypass the town centre of Kajang.
Route Overview
SILK Expressway primarily runs in a north–south orientation, connecting Cheras in the north to Semenyih in the south. Its expressway code is E18, starting at the Hulu Langat Interchange and ending at the Semenyih Interchange. The highway passes through key townships and residential areas, providing a faster alternative to local roads and linking several important destinations within Selangor.
Key Cities and Exits
Major interchanges along SILK include:
- Cheras Interchange – Connects to the Cheras–Kajang Highway for easy access to Kuala Lumpur.
- Bangi Interchange – Provides access to Bangi township, educational institutions, and nearby residential areas.
- Semenyih Interchange – Connects to industrial zones and local roads leading further south.
Other notable exits provide access to Taman Connaught, Bandar Baru Bangi, and Kajang Perdana, enhancing connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods.
Scenic Highlights
While primarily an urban and suburban highway, travelers can enjoy lush greenery around Semenyih and the surrounding hills. Views of Bangi township and nearby plantations add a touch of natural scenery along the route. The expressway also runs close to recreational parks and lakes, making travel visually pleasant despite its commuter focus.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
SILK offers rest points with essential amenities for travelers:
- Bangi R&R – Food outlets, fuel stations, prayer facilities, and clean restrooms.
- Semenyih R&R – Snack stalls, convenience stores, and round-the-clock fuel stations.
These stops are convenient for short breaks or refreshing during longer trips.
Toll Information
The expressway uses a closed toll system. Toll payments can be made via Touch ‘n Go cards, SmartTAG, or RFID. Rates vary depending on entry and exit points, ensuring smooth electronic toll collection for regular commuters and visitors alike.
Safety & Facilities
SILK Expressway maintains high safety standards with patrol services ready to assist motorists. Standard speed limits are enforced throughout, and the highway features multiple lanes in each direction with dedicated emergency lanes for breakdowns. Emergency hotlines are placed at intervals to ensure quick response in case of incidents.
Useful Apps & Resources
Travelers can rely on official and third-party tools for navigation and traffic updates:
- Prolintas Official Website for highway information.
- Traffic Apps like Google Maps and Waze for real-time navigation.
- Touch ‘n Go eWallet App to manage toll payments conveniently.
These resources help ensure a smoother travel experience along SILK.
Travel Tips
Avoid peak commuting hours if possible to reduce travel time. Keep left unless overtaking and follow posted speed limits to ensure safe driving. For long-distance journeys, plan fuel and rest breaks at R&R stops. Tourists are encouraged to use GPS navigation to locate exits and nearby attractions efficiently.
Connecting Expressways
SILK Expressway connects seamlessly to other major highways, including:
- Cheras–Kajang Highway (Grand Saga) – Provides access toward Kuala Lumpur.
- Kajang–Semenyih Road – Connects to southern residential and industrial areas.
- Bandar Seri Putra Link – Offers additional access to Bangi and neighboring townships.
These connections enhance overall accessibility within the Klang Valley and Selangor regions.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expressway Name | Kajang Dispersal Link (SILK Expressway) |
| Code | E18 |
| Operator | Prolintas Group Berhad |
| Start Point | Cheras Interchange |
| End Point | Semenyih Interchange |
| States Covered | Selangor |
| Speed Limit | Standard highway limits |
| Toll Type | Closed System |
Conclusion
The Kajang Dispersal Link (SILK Expressway) is an essential component of Malaysia’s transport network. It eases urban congestion, connects key townships, and supports economic activities in Selangor. With scenic suburban views, well-maintained rest areas, and reliable toll systems, SILK ensures smooth and safe travel for both daily commuters and long-distance drivers, making it a vital route in the Klang Valley.
| Road Name | Road Short Name | Code | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North–South Expressway (PLUS) | North–South Expressway | PLUS / E1, E2 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| North–South Expressway Central Link | ELITE Expressway | E6 | Shah Alam – Nilai North |
| New Klang Valley Expressway | NKVE | E1 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Federal Highway | Federal Highway | E5 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Damansara–Puchong Expressway | LDP | E11 | Damansara – Puchong |
| Shah Alam Expressway | KESAS | E5 | Sri Petaling – Pandamaran |
| New Pantai Expressway | NPE | E10 | Subang – Bangsar |
| Maju Expressway | MEX | E20 | Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya |
| Kajang Dispersal Link | SILK | E18 | Kajang – Semenyih |
| Kajang–Seremban Highway | LEKAS | E21 | Kajang – Seremban |
| South Klang Valley Expressway | SKVE | E26 | Pulau Indah – Kajang |
| Guthrie Corridor Expressway | GCE | E35 | Shah Alam – Rawang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway | KLK | E8 | Gombak – Karak |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 1 | LPT1 | E8 | Karak – Kuantan |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 2 | LPT2 | E8 | Kuantan – Kuala Nerus |
| Butterworth–Kulim Expressway | BKE | E15 | Butterworth – Kulim |
| Penang Bridge | Penang Bridge | E36 | Gelugor – Perai |
| Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge | Second Penang Bridge | E28 | Batu Maung – Batu Kawan |
| Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link | EDL | E14 | Pandan – CIQ Johor |
| Senai–Desaru Expressway | SDE | E22 | Senai – Desaru |
| Second Link Expressway | Linkedua | E3 | Senai – Tuas (Singapore) |
| Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway | KL–Seremban | E37 | Kuala Lumpur – Seremban |
| Cheras–Kajang Expressway | Grand Saga | E7 | Cheras – Kajang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Putrajaya Expressway | MEX | E20 | KL – Putrajaya – KLIA |
| West Coast Expressway | WCE | E32 | Taiping – Banting |
| Central Spine Road | CSR | – | Bentong – Kuala Krai |
| Federal Route 1 | Federal Route 1 | FT1 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 2 | Federal Route 2 | FT2 | Port Klang – Kuantan |
| Federal Route 3 | Federal Route 3 | FT3 | Johor Bahru – Rantau Panjang |
| Federal Route 4 | Federal Route 4 | FT4 | Gerik – Jeli |
| Federal Route 5 | Federal Route 5 | FT5 | Ipoh – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 8 | Federal Route 8 | FT8 | Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu |
| Federal Route 9 | Federal Route 9 | FT9 | Karak – Tampin |
| Federal Route 10 | Federal Route 10 | FT10 | Temerloh – Gemas |
| Federal Route 24 | Federal Route 24 | FT24 | Muar – Yong Peng |
| Federal Route 50 | Federal Route 50 | FT50 | Batu Pahat – Kluang – Jemaluang |
| Federal Route 51 | Federal Route 51 | FT51 | Melaka City – Alor Gajah |
| Federal Route 54 | Federal Route 54 | FT54 | Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor |
| Federal Route 76 | Federal Route 76 | FT76 | Kuala Kangsar – Baling – Kulim |
| Federal Route 67 | Federal Route 67 | FT67 | Sungai Petani – Kuala Ketil |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) | Pan Borneo Sabah | AH150 / PBHS | Kota Kinabalu – Tawau |
| Kimanis–Keningau Highway | Kimanis–Keningau Road | – | Kimanis – Keningau |
| Kota Belud–Ranau Road | Kota Belud–Ranau | – | Coastal – Interior link |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sarawak) | Pan Borneo Sarawak | AH150 / PBHS | Telok Melano – Miri |
| Kuching–Serian Road | Kuching–Serian | – | Kuching – Serian |
| Bintulu–Miri Coastal Road | Bintulu–Miri Coastal | – | Bintulu – Miri |
| Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Expressway | KBKK Expressway | KBKK | Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Overall) | Pan Borneo Highway | PBH | Across Sabah & Sarawak |
Comments are closed.