KUCHING, Oct 17: The Public Works Department (JKR) has undertaken intensive investigations on the tilted Satok suspension bridge incident.
According to a press release from the department, the incident which involved the anchor block at the Matang side tilting during the overall Satok bridge load test, will be checked for its soil, design, including review of the construction.
Daily monitoring for any further movement of the anchor block are also carried out, it said.
“As a precautionary measure, other initiatives taken to ensure the stability of the structure included taking off the bridge deck plates to reduce the weight and forces acting on the distressed anchor block,” JKR added.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development has agreed on the engagement of independent consultants to review the overall bridge design, as well as carrying out a detailed geotechnical assessment, to find out the likely cause of the tilting of the anchor block and to propose permanent rectification work for the bridge.
JKR assured that at this juncture, the bridge is now stable and no further movement of the anchor block is expected.
”Currently, JKR is working on a proposed permanent remedial solution, which will be independently assessed and checked by the independent consultants.
“The remedial works will only proceed when the independent consultants have completed all due checking processes and submitted a final report and detailed permanent solution to JKR, which is expected to be tangibly worked out by the end of October,” the department said.
Once the finalised detailed drawings and plans have been submitted to JKR, remedial works by the contractor would proceed diligently, it continued.
“Meanwhile, further site works on the affected structure have been temporarily suspended to avoid and minimise any claims from the contractor due to the downtime.” — DayakDaily
