Jalan Beringin is congested because the flyover is still not open, say residents. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
BUKIT Damansara residents want the flyover connecting Jalan Beringin to Jalan Semantan reopened to ease traffic congestion.
Because of the closure, motorists heading to Kuala Lumpur are choking the narrow, two-lane slip road of Jalan Beringin to reach Jalan Semantan.
Segambut Subzone 3 Federal Territory Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Ravindran Markandu said that during peak hours, traffic could be backed up until the Plaza Batai commercial shoplots.
“It’s very frustrating for residents to have to face the traffic snarl daily, especially during peak hours.
“We want the flyover reopened. Authorities should identify bottlenecks and find a solution.”
Previously, StarMetro had highlighted, in several reports, the concerns of residents living in Medan Damansara, Bukit Damansara and Bangsar about heavy traffic in the Pusat Bandar Damansara commercial area
This was due to the construction of the elevated highway, that stretches from the Jalan Maarof interchange near Pavilion Damansara Heights to the Jalan Semantan interchange.
Even after the elevated highway was opened on July 1, 2023, the flyover connecting Jalan Beringin remained closed.
Ravindran, who is also Bukit Damansara House Owners Association deputy president, said that despite the association voicing its concerns during an April meeting to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), highway concessionaire Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat Sdn Bhd (Sprint) and the mall developer, the elevated road remained closed.
“We were told the flyover would be reopened on May 6, but until now nothing has changed.”
Association committee member Jeffery Yoon said traffic from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim would sometimes be backed up until Jalan Semantan, which then affected nearby roads.
“Traffic from the elevated highway and Jalan Beringin converges onto Jalan Semantan heading towards Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim.
“A comprehensive solution must be formulated to address the gridlock.”
Yoon also said that the red and white plastic construction barriers placed as a barricade were a safety hazard to motorists during a downpour.
“The ones placed on Jalan Beringin moves when the road is slippery and gets scattered.”
In a statement to StarMetro, Sprint said the reopening of the newly built road sections was contingent upon the developer fulfilling the Operation and Maintenance requirements.
“The road can be opened once these conditions are met, together with approval from Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia.
“While the area may appear physically complete, there are still works under the responsibility of the developer such as street lighting, pedestrian walkways and signage installation, which are critical to ensure the road is safe for public use.
“These safety elements must be addressed before the road can be opened to the public.”
The statement said all existing routes from Pusat Bandar Damansara to both Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya remain fully operational.
“We have added new routes from Pusat Bandar Damansara, Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Beringin to Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur to help ease traffic.” ― By JAROD LIM
