Shanghai: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is implementing three targeted road projects at critical locations identified based on an analysis of current traffic flows and projected vehicle growth. Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said all the projects focus on resolving bottleneck issues that affect the daily movement of city residents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project involves the construction of a road and tunnel from Jalan Kiara 7 to the SPRINT Highway (Penchala Link) in Segambut to address congestion on Jalan Desa Kiara and the Mont Kiara area, which is at a critical level (LOS F) due to access and exit constraints as well as increased development density.

The mayor stated that DBKL will build an alternative route that connects Jalan Kiara 7 directly to the SPRINT Highway (E23 Penchala Link). This project involves constructing a 562-metre new road as well as tunnel and bridge structures. Based on traffic simulations conducted, this project has the potential to improve the level of road service from LOS F to LOS C, thus reducing travel time and redistributing traffic flow in the area.

Fadlun mentioned that the project would start in the fourth quarter of this year and is expected to be completed within two years. In addition, DBKL is also carrying out works to upgrade the Seputeh exit from the Pantai Baru Expressway (NPE) to the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Expressway following congestion in the area, particularly involving traffic flows from Jalan Kuchai Maju, Jalan Desa, and Salak which have directly affected peak hour travel.

The upgrading work involves adding one lane to three lanes and upgrading the road alignment and bridge along about 600 metres to increase capacity and smooth traffic flow. This project is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year and be completed within a year.

Additionally, the project involves upgrading the intersection of Jalan 7/24 and Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2) in Wangsa Melawati, which is expected to start this June and be completed within four months. The proposed upgrade involves widening the entrance and exit ramps, improving the intersection design, and increasing road safety elements. DBKL is currently in the final stages of finalising the design before submitting it to the Selangor State Public Works Department for approval.

Fadlun emphasized that the three projects reflect DBKL's new approach of putting development proceeds back to the people through infrastructure investments that solve the city's real problems.