Safety concerns at flyover project sites
KOTA KINABALU: Motorists have expressed concern over the state of the partially completed flyover near Yayasan Sabah.
The uneven surface of the lanes on the flyover that are already opened for public use is a matter of concern in terms of safety, said Arfandi Jaafar.
Some motorists driving compact cars are compelled to swerve to avoid the uneven surface, thus risking a collision with another vehicle, he said.
Arfandi hoped the relevant authorities are monitoring the multi-million ringgit flyover and road projects in the state capital closely and ensure strict compliance with contract terms.
Construction quality aside, he said the safety and convenience of road users must also not be compromised, thus the need to put up proper traffic signs near ongoing project sites.
He believed the authorities concerned must look into all aspects of public safety in relation to the traffic flow at these project sites, and take immedate action to eliminate safety risks.
Tour agent Louis Tan expressed the hope that contractors will not wait to complete the first half of the flyover before proceeding with the second, given its hazardous situation presently.
It is very risky to drive along a single lane guided only by plastic poles as barricade leading to the double lane on the other side, as is the case at the Kolombong and Lintas flyovers.
If a drunken or careless driver from the next lane were to encroach into the single lane, it could result in a serious accident, he said.
Louis said the situation at flyover projects is not the only issue, as other ongoing road projects are also creating safety risks for users, especially at the underconstruction Penampang highway leading towards Papar.
There are no streetlights and adequate road signs for the safety of the public, he said.
Uber driver Mohd Amiruddin Mohd Kassim shared the view that the standard of work carried out on the flyovers need to be improved.
He said the lanes are not well demarcated, thus creating confusion to road users when descending the flyover near Yayasan Sabah.
Nevertheless, he is optimistic that the road surface will eventually be sealed and the traffic problems will be a thing of the past.