THE iconic lower deck of the six-decade-old Jambatan Kota spanning Sungai Klang in Selangor has been revitalised following an extensive RM700,000 refurbishment.
The bridge, a crucial part of Klang’s heritage, is now open to motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, after restoration efforts by Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
MBDK Engineering Department director Zamri Othman said the 250m lower deck was closed for upgrading work over more than 12 weeks.
“Constructed between 1958 and 1960, the reinforced steel truss girder bridge was completed by the end of 1960 and officially opened in 1961 by Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, in conjunction with his coronation as the ninth Sultan of Selangor,” Zamri explained.
He added that the city council was able to carry out the refurbishment thanks to funds from Housing and Local Government Ministry.
MBDK’s road and bridges unit chief Mardiana Bastian said bridge upgrades included installation of new road pavers, repainting of the steel truss girders to its original white hue and new wiring and lighting.
“Works were carried out by the contractor under the supervision of MBDK’s Engineering Department.
“The bridge is now open to pedestrians and two-wheelers,” she said.
Zamri said works carried out on the lower deck had restored the bridge to good condition.
“It is structurally sound, and with the new coat of paint, it looks great.
“The people of Klang should be very proud of this heritage,” he added.
Zamri said that based on MBDK’s documents, the bridge was constructed by Dorman Long Engineering Ltd, the company responsible for building Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry trustee NP Raman said the bridge was an important part of Klang’s heritage that should be taken care of for future generations.
“People want to see it conserved properly,” he said, adding that the newly refurbished lower deck looked good.
Raman, former Entrepreneurs Association of Little India Klang chairman, added that it would now be more convenient for people to walk from Jalan Tepi Sungai (Pengkalan Batu) to Jalan Pasar near Pasar Jawa.
The upper deck of the bridge was permanently closed to motorised traffic in January 1992 after a concrete bridge was built parallel to it.
The deck is now under Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, which is building the LRT3 line from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia next to and slightly above the bridge.
MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz, when contacted, said the city council planned to hold activities involving food trucks, car-boot sales and used book markets in the vicinity of Jambatan Kota to create a lively atmosphere and draw more people to the area.
