KUALA LUMPUR – The operator of the Sg Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) took quick action to resolve safety issues surrounding the pedestrian crossing at Exit 701 of the access towards the Cheras-Kajang Highway.
Within 12 hours after the report by The Vibes on Wednesday, the contractors appointed by concessionaire Projek Lintasan Sg Besi-Ulu Klang Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) completed the rectification works past midnight on Thursday – 24 hours ahead of the targeted two days ultimatum.
“SUKE takes a firm view over the issue and instructed the contractors involved to carry out immediate repair works, which was expected to be completed within two days at the latest,” Prolintas said in a statement to The Vibes.
The operator added that it apologises for any inconvenience caused.
“SUKE continues to ensure all safety aspects of the expressway are observed and welcomes all feedback from users to improve the quality of service from time to time,” the statement read.
The concessionaire stressed that it would be taking follow-up action against the contractor, consultant engineers and employees involved in the matter.
“We wish to highlight that the approval by the authorities, and consensus among the project team and the Road Safety Auditor, Malaysia Highway Authority, local authorities, consultants as well as independent consulting engineers, have been obtained for all the design and construction of SUKE, prior to the opening of the expressway,” the statement read.
The matter came to light when a road engineering expert called for immediate rectification of the Taman Cuepacs/PGA and Jalan Cheras junction, deemed unsafe by residents nearby since the opening of SUKE three months ago.
“This is a BAD example of pedestrian crossing. Please rectify this @mySUKEofficial at Exit 701 @LLMrasmi @MOWorks,” road engineering expert Muhammad Marizwan Abdul Manan tweeted.
An image attached to the December 13 tweet showed a Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) team member conducting an inspection recently at the exit ramp with a clear view of a concrete barrier obstructing pedestrian access.
The Vibes contacted Marizwan for clarification, following which he pointed to the flawed design of the expressway’s exit.
“That place (exit) has many faults. One aspect is that a pedestrian needs to cross over the concrete barrier. There shouldn’t be any obstruction in the first place,” said the Miros Road Safety Engineering and Environment Research Centre director.
“Time and again, they relayed their deep concerns and asked us to look at it from the road safety investigation and audit point of view,” he added. – The Vibes, December 23, 2022
