MUKAH, May 31: The middle sidewalk of Jambatan Batang Mukah (Yellow Bridge) was badly damaged after it was hit by a barge recently.
According to Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), the affected area is about 1.2m by 10m wide, including the steel handrail in the middle section.
“Since there are no signs of structural failure observed, this arch steel bridge is safe to use,” it said in a statement recently.
The Department further said that as short term measure, Mukah JKR had instructed the road concessionaire to immediately remove all the loose debris and concrete and also the hanging handrail from the affected sidewalk of the bridge.
“In addition, the affected sidewalk had been closed to pedestrian and delineators and blinking lights had been installed to alert Batang Mukah maneuvers,” it added.
Sarawak JKR also mentioned that for the preliminary assessment, Mukah JKR will get assistance from road concessionaire to carry out further inspection and checking on the bridge structure.
As for a permanent solution, Mukah JKR will propose remedial works to the damaged sidewalk and works expected to commence after an overall bridge assessment is carried ou by an expert. — DayakDaily
