By DayakDaily Team
BETONG, Sept 5: The old Batang Layar Bridge will remain closed for up to two weeks for safety repairs as construction of the new bridge progresses beyond 70 per cent.
In a TVS news report, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the closure was necessary after the Public Works Department (JKR) identified safety concerns involving the existing bridge.
He said the bridge could remain closed for the full two weeks even if the repair works were completed earlier, as authorities wanted to ensure it was fully safe before allowing traffic to resume.
“We are worried that if we promise one week, the work may not be completed. But if it is completed within one week, we may still keep it closed for two weeks because it is very important that when we reopen it, it will be completely safe,” he said.
Uggah also urged residents and road users in Betong to be patient while the repair works were being carried out.
The closure, which began on Sept 4, is intended to facilitate the necessary structural repair works on the old bridge following JKR’s assessment of its condition.
At the same time, he said construction of the new Batang Layar Bridge had recorded more than 70 per cent physical progress.
The overall project, including the associated road works and other facilities, has also surpassed 40 per cent completion.
He said the contractor should take advantage of the current dry weather to accelerate construction works and ensure the replacement bridge could be completed as soon as possible.
The new bridge is expected to provide a longer-term solution for road connectivity in the area and reduce reliance on the existing structure once completed.
Uggah said the authorities would continue to monitor the repair works on the old bridge and the progress of the replacement project to ensure both safety and construction targets were met. — DayakDaily
