Cutting grass is part of the maintenance routine along the motorcycle lane at GCE. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
REGULAR maintenance and inspections are carried out to ensure safety on motorcycle lanes, say highway concessionaires and Public Works Department (JKR).
In a statement, Projek Lintasan Kota Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) said inspections and highway patrols at Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE) were part of its routine activities.
“We ensure there are adequate lighting and safety signs, and immediate repair work is carried out.
“We also hold motorcycle safety awareness campaigns such as the recent one at Elmina North, in collaboration with the Selangor police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department.
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“A total of 13 sheltered rest stops are available along the lane for motorcyclists to take cover during rain.
“A consulting engineer has also been appointed to conduct a Level 5 Highway Safety Audit every three years along GCE, including the motorcycle lanes, to ensure safety standards are met,” said Prolintas.
According to the concessionaire, crashes on the motorcycle lane were caused by rider negligence, with most losing control at corners.
“Several locations have been identified as crash hotspots and chevron strips have been installed on the road to enhance motorcyclists’ awareness.
“We also collaborate with Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to implement advocacy and road safety campaigns for motorcyclists,” Prolintas added.
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Meanwhile, Kesas Sdn Bhd (Kesas), which maintains Shah Alam Expressway, said its routine maintenance included road surface restoration, pavement rehabilitation, drainage maintenance, grass cutting, and removal of roots and tree pruning.
“Daily inspections identify road surface problems, malfunctioning streetlights and traffic conditions on the motorcycle lanes and tunnels.
“A road safety audit (RSA) is carried out every three years, in line with requirements set by Malaysian Highway Authority,” Kesas’ statement said.
Motorcyclists are prohibited from using Kesas highway from 6am to 11pm daily as gazetted in Road Transport (Prohibition of Use of Road) (Shah Alam Expressway) Order 2010, which took effect on May 19, 2010.
“We work with the police’s Expressway Mobile Patrol Vehicle (EMPV) team to patrol the highway daily and summonses are issued to those who violate the restricted hours.
“As of September this year, 2,127 summonses were issued, while 4,178 summonses were issued for similar violations last year.
“We have also conducted 94 roadblocks last year and another 58 this year (as of September),” the concessionaire added.
Kesas attributed crashes on motorcycle lanes to speeding, reckless riding, vehicle condition, pavement condition and environmental influences.
“We continuously monitor and address pavement conditions at motorcycle lanes and increased the number of motorcycle shelters along the lanes to 17.
“To encourage motorcyclists to use the designated lanes, we have also installed 15 additional advisory signs along the lanes.”
Meanwhile, JKR in its statement on the issue said the Works Ministry had allocated RM2.7mil this year for maintenance works at Federal Route 2 (Federal Highway).
The scope included periodic maintenance of pavements, drainage, signboards as well as cleanliness and landscape-related upkeep.
“Drainage maintenance is carried out four times a year while grass cutting is conducted 12 times a year.
“JKR Malaysia, through JKR Selangor, also installed solar LED lights along the motorcycle lanes, but vandalism caused some of the lights to malfunction.
“JKR Selangor patrols the lanes three times a week to ensure the lights are functioning properly,” it added.
JKR said monitoring works would be further stepped up to reduce the risk of accidents in the motorcycle lanes with the ongoing northeast monsoon.
It said RM120,000 had been allocated this year to maintain drains at the lanes as part of flood mitigation procedures.
“The drains are periodically maintained by appointed concession companies.
“Other mitigation steps such as signboard installation and traffic diversion are also done as part of monitoring works in flood hotspots,” it said.
The ministry through JKR is also reviewing the geometrical design of the motorcycle lanes.
“Aspects being studied include the width of the lanes, their shoulders and their radius curve.
“Other necessities such as the addition of chevron strips and widening of road shoulders in some strategic spots are also considered,” added JKR.
The public can file complaints on motorcycle lanes through several channels, including the Works Ministry’s free MyJalan app.
