Teh (sixth from left) with Segambut residents who are disappointed with delays in the project to alleviate traffic congestion. — WILLIAM GARY/The Star
Segambut residents are tired of delays to a road upgrading project and want it expedited to help alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours.
The road upgrading project, which started in December 2021 which was originally slated for completion in June 2023 has faced four delays, with the latest expected completion date set for March 14.
Work on the 4km stretch was divided into four phases, with phase one and four completed.
Residents claimed that phase two, which involved a new 0.7km four-lane dual carriageway with a lane being added from Taman SPPK Segambut to Jalan Segambut Dalam, had been progressing slowly.
At a press conference, Segambut PKR deputy chief Deric Teh said he noticed that new dates were being pasted over old ones on the signboard with the project’s details.
“A few years ago, the area experienced flooding and a nationwide lockdown, which were valid reasons for delays then.
“It is unclear now why the project keeps getting delayed.
“Although new completion dates are given, there is hardly any activity at the site,” said Teh, who wanted an explanation from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Residents said traffic usually builds up at the junction of Jalan Segambut and Jalan Segambut Dalam in front of the M Avenue commercial area.
Jalan Segambut Dalam connects to Petaling Jaya and Mont Kiara.
Teh said usually, it would take about 15 minutes to get to Petaling Jaya from Segambut but during peak hours, it could take up to an hour.
He said a school in Jalan Kiara 3 was contributing to the bottleneck.
“Parents are parking and waiting at the side of the road for their children, narrowing the lane for other motorists.”
He suggested that the school allow parents to use the entrance from Jalan Kiara 5, as an alternative to ease congestion.
Also present at the press conference were Taman Sri Sinar Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) chairman John Rajamani, Pangsapuri Angsa ex-chairman Joginder Singh, Nova 2 Apartment chairman David Tang and representatives from Nova 1 Apartment and Taman Sri Bintang.
Rajamani said DBKL should monitor the works at the site.
Joginder also called on DBKL to provide an explanation on the project’s frequent delays.
StarMetro reached out to DBKL for comments but had yet to receive a response at press time.
