KUALA LUMPUR: A landslide following heavy rain has resulted in the full closure of a section of Jalan Rawang-Kuala Selangor (B27) at Section 9.90 in the Gombak district.
The Selangor Public Works Department (JKR) said the landslide, which occurred at 11pm on Thursday (Nov 5), involved failures of both the upslope and downslope, causing part of the road structure at the affected section to collapse.
It said the landslide also brought down trees, blocking the entire road.
"The road closure was implemented by the Gombak JKR, while information on alternative routes was disseminated to road users through the Facebook pages of Selangor and Gombak JKR on Friday (Nov 6) morning.
"The incident is believed to have been caused by heavy rain, which resulted in a high volume of rainwater infiltration and increased soil saturation in the sloping area," JKR said in a statement on Friday night.
It said the resulting increase in pore water pressure subsequently caused slope instability and soil movement, leading to the collapse and damage of part of the road structure.
However, JKR said detailed investigations and technical assessments were still underway to determine the actual cause of the incident.
In addition, a traffic management plan, including the installation of full road closure and diversion signs, had been activated, while temporary tarpaulin sheets had been installed over the affected road embankment and slope surfaces to prevent erosion and further landslides.
"Clearing works to remove soil debris and fallen trees from the upslope area have been carried out by the state road concessionaire, alongside continuous monitoring of active movement in the road structure and slope stability," the department said.
A temporary diversion road would be constructed in the affected area for light vehicles, subject to technical considerations involving safety and slope stability.
"Announcements on the reopening of the road will be made once technical assessments confirm that it is safe for traffic and a diversion route restricted to light vehicles has been provided," it said.
