‘Take alternative routes to reduce congestion’

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DBKL devises steps to help drivers handle Loke Yew roundabout closure

Measures have been taken by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to minimise the impact of the Loke Yew roundabout closure on traffic flow in the city.

These measures include drawing up alternative routes to ease traffic congestion during the road closure.

Traffic from Kampung Pandan roundabout to Sungai Besi or Petaling Jaya and vice-versa will be utilising a contra-flow along Jalan Loke Yew.

There are also alternative routes involving Jalan Kampung Pandan, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Hang Tuah.

The alternative route from Cheras to Sungai Besi is through Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Jalan Satu, Jalan Dua and Jalan Tiga while those heading to Jalan Yew from Cheras will need to take a longer detour and use the U-turn at the Jalan Maharajalela flyover.

The roundabout closure also sees some permanent changes made to the traffic flow.

Now, those using Jalan Loke Yew from Cheras can only make a U-turn back to Cheras while those using Jalan Loke Yew from Jalan Kinabalu and Jalan Sungai Besi will be directed to Jalan Yew towards Pudu roundabout.

Taman Segar resident BC Tan, in her 50s, said additional traffic congestion was expected during this period.

“The stretch of road affected is very congested on regular days, so the road closure could make it worse.

“Traffic might spill over to Jalan Cheras, a road that I use frequently to head to the city centre,” she said.

A DBKL spokesperson said City Hall had informed motorists of the road closure via various platforms.

“There will be sufficient signage on the road to guide motorists, especially during rush hour in the morning.

“DBKL has also displayed the information on Variable Message Signboards (VMS) in the city as well as our official online platforms,” she said.

On Sept 29, DBKL issued a statement about the road closures, diversions and contra-flow to help motorists plan their journey.

It also said Tetuan Pertama Makmur Sdn Bhd had been appointed by DBKL to carry out the construction work to widen Jalan Yew, which started in October 2021 and was expected to be completed on Dec 31, 2025.

Meanwhile, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok urged the government to open the Setiawangsa Pantai Expressway (SPE) to alleviate congestion in the city.

“The closure of Jalan Loke Yew will contribute to traffic congestion in the city.

“On Aug 7, my officers and I met with Ekovest Bhd’s managing director Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng and learnt that the highway was completed in May.

“I will write to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi to expedite the opening of SPE,” she said on social media.

The 29.8km dual carriageway with four lanes stretches from north to south of Kuala Lumpur, serving areas such as Wangsa Maju, Setiawangsa, Ampang, the Tun Razak Exchange and Bandar Malaysia development corridor.

Starting today, a stretch of Jalan Sungai Besi in front of Fraser Business Park (Petaling Jaya- and Sungai Besi-bound) and Loke Yew roundabout will be closed for a year to facilitate the construction of a ramp in the area.