A segment of Jalan Pandan Utama in Pandan Indah, Ampang, will be closed to facilitate the upcoming bridge project. Work is expected to run until February 2025. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
A TRAFFIC dispersal project involving the construction of two vehicular bridges in Pandan Indah, Ampang, Selangor will take place starting Aug 1.
This will also involve the closure of a portion of Jalan Pandan Utama at the Jalan Pandan Mewah intersection until next February.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) Engineering Department director Zafrul Fazry Mohd Fauzi said the project was to reduce congestion at the busy intersection.
“This will allow for smoother traffic to and from Hospital Ampang as well as residential areas so motorists do not get held up at the busy intersection.
“Currently, the traffic level of service (LOS) there is grade F.
“Once the project is completed it should be improved to grade D,” he said.
LOS refers to traffic flow, designated by letter grades, from A (free flow) to F (near gridlock).
Grade D reflects “steady traffic at high density”.
He said the estimated cost of the project was RM9.3mil and it would be fully funded by the state government.
“The initial cost of the project was RM7.29mil, which was approved by the state.
“But preliminary works indicated that there are underground utility and telecommunication cables that will need to be moved, hence the added cost,” said Zafrul Fazry.
A 100m-stretch of Jalan Pandan Utama will have a lane share system during the construction period.
Upgrading and construction works include the building of two vehicular bridges over Sungai Kerayong, piling and traffic light upgrades.
He said this during a site visit with Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur.
Yew advised motorists using the area to be mindful of the traffic changes during the construction period.
“This intersection is a major road for residents in Pandan Indah, Pandan Mewah and Pandan Utama.
“There are also two schools and a hospital which means quick access is necessary.
“We advise motorists and residents to use alternative routes, if possible, to reduce congestion here during the interim.”
Signs advising motorists of the road closure will be installed.
Alternative routes include Jalan Pandan Muhibbah, Jalan Bunga Mawar 4 and Jalan Pandan Mewah.
Zafrul Fazry said MPAJ would be working with the police to manage traffic flow in the area.
“We have already engaged with school and hospital representatives as well as resident groups informing them of the project to minimise disruption,” he said, adding that flagmen would be placed on-site to manage traffic flow.
For details, call MPAJ Engineering Dept at 03-4285 7300 or the appointed contractor at 011-1563 4180.
