The road grew in importance as it connected most of the state capitals on the west coast (except Perlis and Malacca), and as a result, numerous towns grew along its path. The next phases were mostly constructed by the British colonial government as a means to provide an efficient transportation network to exploit the economic resources in Malaya. The second section being completed was Perai–Ipoh section, opened to traffic in 1897. In 1915, the Kuala Lumpur–Ipoh and Johor Bahru–Kulai sections were completed. In 1924, the Johor–Singapore Causeway was completed, connecting Johor Bahru to the island of Singapore. The next sections being completed were Butterworth–Alor Setar and Kulai–Yong Peng sections, both were opened to traffic in 1928. The entire roadway was finally concluded in 1939 after the completion of the final section connecting Yong Peng to Tampin in 1939.