FACTORY owners at Rawang KRI Industrial Park are relieved that a damaged bridge along the sole access route into the area is being repaired.
Those travelling daily on Jalan Ciku had raised concerns about visible cracks on the bridge.
Locals believe the damage was caused when an overweight lorry reversed and plunged into the river after failing to ascend a road incline beyond the bridge.
“After the incident at the end of last year, cracks began appearing on both the road and bridge surface,” said steel factory owner Low Ka Chun.
He said stakeholders at the industrial park feared the bridge might eventually collapse.
“If that were to happen, it would severely impact the operations of around 160 small and medium-sized businesses, as Jalan Ciku is the only access road.
“Now, business owners are relieved with the ongoing upgrades,” said the 40-year-old business owner.
Rawang assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat, who held a press conference at the scene, said construction works began last month and were expected to be completed soon.
“The lorry incident last year compromised the structural integrity of the bridge, as soil erosion began to occur at its base.
“These repair and upgrading works are intended to reinforce the bridge’s structure and even out the road surface.
“This is essential, as an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 heavy vehicles use this route daily to access the industrial park,” he said.
Chua said the project was situated on private road and river reserve land.
“The bridge is located over a tributary and we obtained the necessary approvals from the landowner before commencing the upgrade.
“The project cost RM20,000 and is fully funded by my office,” he said.
