A car using the steep and narrow bridge at Jalan 4/76 in Desa Pandan, which will soon be closed to four-wheelers.
Stakeholders welcome plan as bridge unsuitable for heavy traffic
Desa Pandan stakeholders are backing a decision to close a steep and narrow bridge along Jalan 4/76 to four-wheelers, following multiple accidents and safety concerns.
The proposal to close the bridge was discussed during a multi-agency meeting on Wednesday involving Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Public Works Department (JKR) and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
The bridge connecting the neighbourhood to Jalan Kanan 1, which borders Desa Pandan and Kampung Pandan, was originally built for pedestrians and motorcycles but soon turned into a shortcut for all vehicles after its bollards were damaged.
“There have been too many accidents – motorcyclists falling over, cars overturning, buses and lorries getting stuck,” said Onn Sapari, who runs a restaurant located about 50m from the bridge which is barely wide enough for two cars to pass.
“I have never dared to use the shortcut. It is too steep and the bridge is never meant for heavy vehicles.
“It is good that something is finally being done,” Onn told StarMetro.
Laelatul Rohmah Samli, who operates a food stall nearby, said the incline was a safety hazard even for motorcyclists.
“There was an accident one morning where someone fell because the motorcycle was not able to make the climb.
Johari flanked by Dr Zaliha and Maimunah (in blue) at the bridge during the multi-agency visit. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI and FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
“The bridge also gets congested during peak hours because motorists have to wait their turn.”
Another resident, Ismail Karim suggested the link be rebuilt into a proper, safer road.
“This road saves us travel time, but it is dangerous especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area,” said Ismail.
Johari said the decision to close the bridge was made due to public safety risks.
“The structure was not built for this kind of traffic,” he said after a site visit with Dr Zaliha and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
He said authorities were considering installing bollards to allow only motorcycles and pedestrians.
“This has to be discussed with DID as the bridge crosses a drain,” he added.
Johari noted that the surrounding roads needed to be widened.
“There is the issue of stalls located here, which we will have to discuss further before we can carry out improvements in the area,” he added.
The multi-agency meeting was initiated following objections by roadside traders along Jalan 2/76 to vacate the area for a road expansion project.
Johari said traders could remain there for now while DBKL developed a reorganisation plan.
However, he said DBKL would issue licences only if traders complied with hygiene rules and followed the new layout.
The traders were supposed to vacate by July 15 to make way for a road widening project along Jalan 2/76.
However, the operation was postponed following an altercation at the site.
