Traffic congestion on LDP’s first day of contra-flow system

Congested: The first day of the LDP contra flow. Litrak said only a few road users utilised the additional lane and the situation will improve when more motorists use the extra lane.

There was much confusion on the first day of the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) contra flow.

Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd (Litrak), the concessionaire of the LDP, had previously announced its plans to implement a three-month trial of a contra-flow traffic system from now until Feb 27 next year.

This was to ease traffic congestion along the LDP, especially at the Petaling Jaya Toll Plaza for highway users from Puchong, Putrajaya and Shah Alam heading towards Kelana Jaya.

Many of the motorists were fuming from being caught in a massive traffic jam.

College student Divya Devi was late for her exam because of the contra flow.

“Usually, it takes me about an hour from my house in Seri Kembangan to Sunway but today, it took me almost two hours. The jam started near the Kinrara golf club.

“The lecturer was already calling my name by the time I reached,” she said.

Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han, who visited the site yesterday, said it was clear some of the drivers were confused by the new system.

“There is a lack of publicity and signage to inform road users.

“I could see drivers were confused about which lane to take as they were nearing the toll plaza,” he said.

William Pang, who lives in Jalan Merak, Puchong Jaya, said he only knew about the contra flow the day before when Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) councillor George Yap sent him a message about the site visit.

“I am not really affected as I usually head towards Putrajaya. I think it can help reduce the congestion but only time will tell if this will really work,” he said.

Fellow Puchong Jaya resident Low Chee Wah was not as optimistic as he was and said it would not make a big difference.

“The problem is at the toll plaza. Hopefully, it will be better when motorists are more familiar with the contra flow.

“While I do not head towards the Kelana Jaya direction often, the back flow affects residents who are trying to exit the LDP,” he said.

StarMetro also went to the Bukit Jalil Highway and noticed the traffic congestion involving motorists heading towards Sunway and Petaling Jaya.

When contacted, a spokesman from Litrak said they had placed banners and bunting to inform road users about the contra flow.

“We also allocated four additional lanes for Touch N’ Go users at the toll plaza.

“The feedback from road users this morning is that it was more congested than usual. We will take into consideration all the feedback received.

“This is a new experience for motorists as it is the first day of implementation. I believe that in a few days, the situation will improve,” he said.

He noted that many motorists were not using the extra lane provided.

Ng agreed that it was too early to tell if the contra flow would ease traffic as it was only the first day.

“Furthermore, it is the school holidays. We will only know when school re-opens next year,” he said.

It was reported in StarMetro on Dec 4 that the contra-flow lane on LDP will start at KM21 (Kelana Jaya-bound), opposite the UOB and HSBC banks, and end at KM18.

The dedicated contra-flow lane is for light vehicles and runs on weekdays from 6.30am to 9.30am, excluding public holidays.

Motorists from Puchong and Putrajaya are expected to save approximately 15 minutes in their commute to Kelana Jaya or Damansara.