IPOH: The completion of the Tun Razak Bridge in Buntong here has been delayed due to several unavoidable factors.
Buntong assemblyman M. Thulsi said the project, which was supposed to be completed on Jan 6 this year, had been delayed due the Deepavali celebrations, the erratic weather and the new heavy vehicle speed and load limitation policies.
"We are aware of the concerns by the people about the change in date of completion, which will now be deferred to Feb 6.
"There had been requests to give priority to the Deepavali celebrations (last year), to not impact businesses activities and movements," she said in a statement Monday (Jan 19).
"Regular heavy rainfall also forced work to stop to ensure the safety of the workers and quality of the structure.
"Due to the new speed and loading limits, which began in October, the work schedule had to be restructured as well," she said.
There had been calls by the people to replace the ageing bridge, which was constructed in 1996, following a video that was posted online in March last year, showing a metal structure being removed by the Ipoh City Council while heavy vehicles passed overhead.
The state government then approved and allocated about RM1.75mil to construct a new bridge as its replacement.
Thulsi also said that the city council has granted a conditional permission to use the new bridge for the upcoming Thaipusam celebrations, from Jan 28 at 5pm to 12am on Feb 2.
She said a one-way route will be opened, specifically for the procession during the celebration.
"Only vehicles weighing 3 tonnes and below that are involved in the procession are allowed to cross the bridge.
"Tents are not allowed to be set up on the bridge or near it," she said, adding that the people must also ensure the cleanliness of the area throughout the procession.
"I request the full cooperation of all parties involved to comply with the instructions.
"The approval was given based on trust and concern for religious celebrations, with the safety of the people and the bridge cannot be compromised," she added.
