ROAD safety on Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), has been enhanced following a collaborative project between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and several mobility advocacy groups.
DBKL working in partnership with Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) and its local liaison Bike Commute Malaysia (BCMY), under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, is encouraging road users to walk or cycle more.
“The project was divided into two phases. The first phase involved the upgrading of pathways and bicycle lanes,” DBKL said in a media statement.
“The second phase saw road intersections and pedestrian crossing being upgraded.
“The first phase was done last year while the second phase, which started in October, was recently completed.”
City Hall also said the project would make the streets safer for TTDI residents.
“The improved connectivity will also benefit businesses by bringing more foot traffic,” the statement added.
A check by StarMetro found that a raised pedestrian crossing had been built on Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad.
BCMY director Justin Lee said the presence of the pedestrian crossing would encourage vehicles to reduce speed.
“About 700 pedestrians cross the road during lunch hours.
“Previously, there were no designated crossing points for pedestrians and they were exposed to danger as vehicles tend to speed.
“The raised pedestrian crossing will encourage cars to slow down, making it safer for pedestrians to cross the road,” he said.
Lee added that the pedestrian crossing featured seamless connections to pathways, making it easier for people with mobility difficulties such as senior citizens and wheelchair users.
GDCI programme manager Jashwanth Tej Kasala said pedestrian refuge islands were built at the intersection between Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad and Jalan Datuk Sulaiman.
He said the pedestrian refuge islands were handy for pedestrians to stop in while crossing the six-lane-wide road.
“The intersection previously lacked proper road crossings.
“Safety hazards have been reduced by compacting the intersection design,” he said.
Lee said the kerb at the intersection had also been extended to prevent motorists from doing illegal U-turns.
DBKL said it would carry out a study to look into road infrastructure in other areas.
“The road upgrading works will be done in stages. DBKL will prioritise commercial centres,” the statement added.
