NIBONG TEBAL – The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has initiated an investigation following the partial collapse of a bridge in Batu Kawan here on Monday.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said PDC will immediately appoint an independent consultant to assist in the probe to determine the cause of the incident.
“We find that part of the structure of the second bridge pier, out of the four, has collapsed into Sg Jejawi.
“The incident can be classified as a structural failure of the bridge pier.
“As the project owner, PDC also plans to appoint an independent consultant to assist in the investigation and determine the cause (of the collapse),” he told reporters after inspecting the construction site.
He said PDC will recommend that the appointed consultant carry out mitigation, conservation and reconstruction works on the collapsed bridge pier.
“The consultant will be instructed to look into the integrity of the existing structure, whether yesterday’s (Monday’s) incident affected its structural stability.
“We need to wait and give some time to the consultant to complete the investigation and study the cause of this incident.
“According to the contractor, the section in the river is the most complicated part of this project because of its location.”
The road-widening project – from two to six lanes – was implemented in 2017, and is expected to be completed next year at a cost of RM33.5 million. – The Vibes, November 18, 2020
