Residents near highway project flag design of elevated U-turn as dangerous

PETALING JAYA: Taman Sering Ukay and Bukit Antarabangsa residents in Ampang Jaya, Selangor are questioning the design of an elevated U-turn that is being built as part of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE).

They urge the authorities to hear their concerns over the safety of the project.

The residents claimed that the amended design would not be safe for road users as the bend in the U-turn suspended over the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) is too sharp.

Taman Sering Ukay Residents Association chairman Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohd Arshad Mohd Raji said protest letters highlighting their concerns had been sent to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) as well as EKVE developer Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (AZRB) last month.

“We were made to understand that the initial design for the elevated U-turn had to be changed as it would involve private property.

“However, the new design would make the road too sharp and narrow and could lead to accidents for road users,” he said when contacted.

Mohd Arshad said the residents are urging LLM to relook the road design and ensure that it is in compliance with road safety audits.

“So far, there has been no response from either party about our letters,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Bukit Antarabangsa Task Force – a coalition of 30 residents’ associations, joint management bodies and management committees - also expressed worry about the amended alignment.

Task force chairman Datuk Albakri Ali wants the relevant parties to take the matter seriously.

“We have had to put up with the project since it started construction more than four years ago.

“We need to have a clear and concise explanation of the project,” he said, adding that he agreed that a forum should be held with stakeholders.

The EKVE is part of the Kuala Lumpur Outer Ring Road and will be a dual-two lane tolled highway between Bandar Sungai Long and Ukay Perdana with a mainline distance of 24.16km and 12km of spur road.