Concessionaire urged to deal with congestion from Kemuning to Sunway toll plaza
Lebuh Raya Shah Alam (Kesas), once a convenient route connecting Klang Valley’s major urban centres, has become a daily ordeal for countless commuters.
The relentless traffic congestion, particularly between Kemuning and Sunway toll plazas, has reached a crisis point, leading to significant environmental, safety and economic consequences.
This isn’t a new issue.
As a commuter in 2010, I experienced the frustration of long traffic jams on this highway.
However, the situation seems to have worsened over the years.
Every day, over 300,000 vehicles traverse this 13km stretch of the highway, with many spending an average of 30 to 45 minutes stuck in traffic.
This translates to a conservative estimate of a staggering loss of 2,000 man-days daily, impacting productivity and economic growth.
Imagine the potential of these lost hours, if channelled into productive endeavours.
Beyond the economic impact, the daily ordeal takes a toll on commuters’ mental health.
The stress, anxiety and frustration caused by traffic congestion can significantly impact the well-being of individuals.
Up until Oct 31, a disturbing 13 motorcyclists lost their lives on this very stretch.
The frustration and impatience induced by traffic jams often lead to reckless driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
Moreover, constant idling of vehicles contributes to air pollution, exacerbating the region’s air quality issues.
We have heard numerous proposals for long-term solutions, such as road widening and interchange construction.
However, these projects often take years to materialise.
In the meantime, a more immediate and practical solution is needed.
A contraflow traffic system, where certain lanes are converted to one-way traffic during peak hours (6am to noon on weekdays) could significantly alleviate congestion.
Kesas has successfully implemented a limited contraflow system in other areas.
Expanding this system to the congested stretch between Bukit Rimau and Subang Jaya exits could provide significant relief to commuters.
I recently reached out to my local representative to propose this solution.
However, I was informed that Kesas management sees this as not feasible due to safety concerns.
If Kesas can successfully manage a contraflow system in a smaller section of the highway near Subang Jaya, why not extend it to the entire congested area, starting from the Kemuning Toll Plaza?
A dedicated task force comprising representatives from Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Kesas, Road Transport Department (JPJ), Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) and non-governmental organisations advocating for road safety could be established to collaborate and address safety concerns, conduct thorough feasibility studies and develop a comprehensive implementation plan.
By working together, the task force can ensure safe and efficient implementation of the contraflow system.
It is time for the authorities to prioritise the well-being of motorists and take decisive action to address this pressing issue.
By implementing a well-planned contraflow system, backed by thorough planning and adequate safety measures, Kesas can significantly improve the quality of life for commuters, reduce environmental impact, and enhance road safety.
CHIN YEW SIN
Shah Alam, Selangor
