By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The postponement and delay in the completion of the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Bridge, which was originally scheduled to open on January 6 but has been extended to February 6, were due to several factors.
According to the Buntong State Legislative Assemblyman (ADUN), Thulsi Manogaran, the main reasons included accommodating the Deepavali celebrations last October, unpredictable weather conditions, as well as technical and logistical issues.
“Referring to the latest developments of the bridge repair and replacement project, we would like to clarify the situation for residents and road users.
“This replacement project was initiated and persistently advocated by my office for more than two years, considering that the old bridge structure was deteriorated and no longer safe.
“We are fully aware of public concerns following the changes in the project’s completion date. However, this was unavoidable as site work, which was supposed to begin in mid-October last year, had to be postponed.
“This was done at our request to allow for Deepavali celebrations, so that business activities and community movement would not be affected.
“Unpredictable weather also contributed to the delay, as frequent heavy rain forced work at the site to be temporarily halted.
“There were also logistical constraints involving construction materials due to the enforcement of new speed and load limits starting in October, which required adjustments to the work schedule,” he said.
However, she added that the Ipoh City Council (MBI) had agreed to grant conditional approval for the use of the bridge during the Thaipusam celebrations, from 5.00 pm on January 28 until 12.00 midnight on February 2.
“The public is required to comply with strict conditions, namely that the bridge will be open for one-way traffic only, and only vehicles weighing three tonnes and below are allowed to cross.
“The route is strictly for vehicles involved in Thaipusam procession activities only. Public vehicles are strictly prohibited.
“No tents may be erected and no stall or trading activities are allowed on the bridge or within the project area,” she added.
She also expressed her appreciation to the residents of Buntong for their patience and said that close monitoring would continue to ensure the project is fully completed according to the new schedule in February.
