KUALA SELANGOR: The sinkhole near the Bentong toll plaza at KM66.1 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway was caused by the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (RCRL) underground tunnel, according to Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the Public Works Minister.
Nanta Linggi stated that the repairs are expected to be completed on Tuesday evening and the route can be reopened by 7pm. He expressed satisfaction with the prompt action taken in resolving the issue.
During his visit to the construction work at Section of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), the minister informed reporters that the WCE, stretching from Banting, Selangor to South Taiping, Perak, is now 88% complete. The overall project covers 233 km, of which 88km is toll-free. Land acquisition issues slightly delayed the construction progress, as the initial estimated cost of land acquisition was around RM980mil, but it eventually exceeded RM2bil. However, all land acquisition issues have been resolved.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the owner of the ECRL project, stated that investigations into the real cause of the sinkhole are ongoing. MRL’s engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contractor (EPCC) promptly notified the highway concessionaire, Anih Bhd, after detecting soil settlement in the vicinity through its monitoring system for the underground tunnelling works.
MRL further explained that their EPCC contractor immediately closed the affected area to traffic before the sinkhole emerged. Necessary mitigating measures were implemented, and repairs are progressing as planned. The sinkhole will be covered and the repairs will be completed by 7pm.
The Public Works Ministry announced that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted as a long-term remedial measure. This investigation will be carried out by the Malaysian Highway Authority with the cooperation of all parties involved. The area will be continuously monitored to detect any further underground soil movement.
Overall, authorities are taking swift action to address the sinkhole issue and ensure the safety of the affected area on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
