Pedestrians crossing the Persiaran Surian-Persiaran Bukit Utama junction in Petaling Jaya often face speeding vehicles, prompting calls for added safety features like traffic lights and mirrors.
The MRT service has made commuting more convenient, especially for residents living near its stations.
However, for residents living in near-transit neighbourhoods in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, access to the MRT can be hazardous.
SS20 resident Eileen Thong, 79, said to access the TTDI MRT station, which is nearest to her neighbourhood, residents must navigate a dangerous junction between Jalan SS20/10 and Jalan Damansara.
“Motorists turning into Jalan SS20/10 from Jalan Damansara may not notice pedestrians standing at the junction as it is a blind spot.
“The zebra crossing connecting to a refuge island, at the junction, is located near Jalan Damansara.
“Speeding vehicles may not have enough time to slow down at the junction.
“One of the zebra crossings has also faded and some motorists may not notice it,” she said when met.
During a visit to the area, StarMetro observed several vehicles parked on the sidewalk near the junction, blocking pedestrians’ view of Jalan Damansara.
Resident CT Chung said crossing the refuge island to the MRT station was unsafe despite the pedestrian crossing.
“Vehicles on Jalan Damansara tend to speed,” he said.
SS20 residents say it is unsafe to cross Jalan Damansara to the TTDI MRT station due to speeding vehicles. They suggest a speed bump or pedestrian bridge be built. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG and LEW GUAN XI/The Star
“While young people may be able to run across the street, what about senior citizens with mobility issues?
“Perhaps speed bumps can be installed before the pedestrian crossing to slow down the cars so pedestrians can cross safely.”
Resident Jimmy Wang, 70, suggested building an overhead pedestrian bridge at the junction.
“Some residents here, including myself, are trying to use public transport more often but we are discouraged by the dangers that await,” he said.
Student Jessica Wong, 26, described the 20-minute walk from her residence in Mutiara Damansara to the MRT station as dangerous.
To get there, she uses a zebra crossing at the Persiaran Surian-Persiaran Bukit Utama junction.
She, however, said more safety features could be added such as traffic mirrors and pedestrian traffic lights.
“Speeding vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians, especially after dark when visibility is low,” she said.
“Early last year, I was almost run over by a car when crossing that junction.
“Pedestrians’ safety at the junction needs to be improved before any accidents happen.
“Having a sheltered walkway along the stretch between the MRT station and the nearby residences will be an added bonus.”
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had not responded to queries regarding the safety of the concerned roads at press time. — By LEW GUAN XI
