Works Ministry targets 21 risky bridges

ALOR GAJAH: The Works Ministry has identified 21 bridges in the country which are old, dangerous and must be replaced.

The remedial costs for the replacements will amount to RM88mil.

Its minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that of these bridges, five have had to be closed in stages since last month – four are in Selangor and the other in Perak.

“Most of the bridges are old – they have been in use since the 1950s and have become dangerous.

“They are often used by commer- cial vehicles, especially those which link main roads to Port Klang in Selangor,” he told reporters after launching the 2017 national-level Public Works Department Innovation Day and Innovative and Creative Group Convention yesterday.

The four bridges in Selangor which have been closed are Buloh Bridge in Kuala Selangor; Sungai Rambai Kecil Bridge and Sungai Rambai Besar Bridge in Kuala Langat; and Sungai Michu bridge in Hulu Langat.

In Perak, Sultan Yusof Bridge in Teluk Intan has been closed.

Fadilah also said that two elevated intersection projects in Melaka (in Ayer Keroh and Peringgit), costing about RM286mil and aimed at easing traffic congestion, would be completed next June.

“The developer of the Peringgit intersection project is having problems determining the actual cost of the utilities involved, causing the project to be delayed and its completion date extended.

“We need to discuss the acquisition of additional land and the additional cost of moving the utilities with the local authorities,” he said, adding that the project was now 51% complete, compared to the targeted 69%.

Fadillah hoped that the Government would prioritise the allocation for the construction of roads and other infrastructure in the 2018 Budget, which will be tabled on Oct 27.

“We have to be realistic about how much the Government can afford but we hope that attention will be given to roads and bridges that have to be built and maintained,” he added. — Bernama