SHAH ALAM, 8 May 2018:
Construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT 3) and other works affecting the motorcycle lane of the Federal Highway is forcing motorcyclists to ride on the expressway.
Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement head Supt Azman Shari’at said some stretches of the motorcycle lane along the Federal Highway had to to be closed – because of the construction work – as a safety measure.
“And because of that, at the (motorcycle lane) stretch that is closed, the motorcyclists have to enter the highway and then get back in to the motorcycle lane, which is dangerous.
“It is not that the police do not want to carry out enforcement, but we pity the motorcyclists. Mounting road blocks on the Federal Highway is dangerous to road users and also the policemen themselves, especially during peak hours when many motorists will be riding on the main lane.”
He was responding to public complaints over the use of the main lane, instead of the motorcycle lane, by motorcyclists using the Federal Highway.
As such, Azman advised drivers on the Federal Highway to be more cautious on the presence of motorcycles.
Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the owner of the LRT3 project, said in a statement the company had obtained approval from the Public Works Department to close the affected stretches of the motorcycle lane on the Federal Highway for two years.
It said a 2km stretch of the motorcycle lane at the expressway is now closed for preliminary works and construction of the LRT 3 project.
The closure is from last March 9 until 19 March 2020.
Separately, MRCB George Kent Joint Venture (MRCBGK) – the project delivery partner of the LRT3 project – and project owner Prasarana wish to reaffirm the 2km motorcycle lane that motorcyclists are temporarily diverted to are barricaded with concrete barriers to protect motorcyclists from other motorists near KM9 of the KL-bound Federal Highway.
In addition to concrete barriers, additional lightning and safety signage are installed to enhance the safety of all road users.
“We wish to remind all motorcyclists to use the dedicated motorcycle lane instead of the main thoroughfare, and request everyone to adhere to safety signage and vehicle speed limit”, said MRCBGK and Prasarana in a statement.
“While the traffic management plan has been approved by the various authorities, we will continue to monitor traffic movements to ensure motorcyclists and motorists travel safely along the LRT3 worksite.”
All parties involved and contractor Apex Communications Sdn Bhd would like to assure road users that all measures have been taken to address and enhance safety along the motorcycle lanes diversion, along the Federal Highway near Shell (KM9) and Petronas (KM9) Stations (KL Bound).
To further enhance safety of motorists, additional street lights and safety signs are provided.
“While the current Traffic Management Plan is approved by JKR and the authorities, we will continue to review and enhance it to ensure maximum safety of the motorcyclists.”
– Bernama