KUALA LUMPUR: A stretch of road in Bukit Bintang will be partially closed in stages for two months to facilitate the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) works.
This was announced by Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib at a walkabout to check on the progress of the MRT project in Bukit Bintang.
Two lanes from Menara Keck Seng to the junction of Jalan Yap Tai Chi will be closed from now until July 7. Another two lanes from Westin Hotel to the Starhill gallery will be closed between July 5 to Aug 5.
The closure is necessary for ground treatment works to be carried out.
"The ground treatment works are a precautionary measure as the stretch sees a shift from a Kenny Hill formation to a Limestone formation," said the mayor.
"Tunneling will be carried out with the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to stabilise the subsurface of the limestone area."
Phesal added that concrete barriers will be placed along the enclosed area for added safety while the Variable Message Signs (VMS) will update motorists on the closures and diversions should there be any.
"Our enforcement officers and MRT employees will also help guide traffic," said Phesal.
"MMC Gamuda-MRT will do its best to finish ahead of schedule."
Phesal also announced a 60m extension of a pedestrian bridge in Sungai Besi.
The existing bridge connects residents living in and around Jalan Landai Permai to the other side of the Sungai Besi Highway.
"At present, residents can only cross the road via the pedestrian bridge. They still need to walk along and around the highway to reach the Sungai Besi LRT Station."
The extension, Phesal explained would cross over the KTM and ERL tracks adjacent to the LRT station.
"We are only allowed to build over the train lines for four hours a day and that is a challenge."
The construction of the extension will begin in September and would be completed in a year.
Currently, Phesal said some people were dicing with danger by crossing the tracks to get to the LRT station. By Robin Augustin
