SUNGAI BULOH, Nov 4 — The state government will build a 35m Bailey bridge on Jalan Gajah Utama in Merbau Sempak to restore access to over 4,500 homes, after the existing bridge collapsed in this morning’s downpour, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the temporary bridge will be built once utility poles in the area are moved.
“We will build a Bailey bridge (from) our existing stock. It will take between two and three weeks to build.
“The important issue here is just that we have to move utility poles first before the bridge can be installed,” he told reporters when surveying the site here today.
The existing bridge crumbled at 2am today due to heavy rain and elevated Sungai Subang levels, which blocked off the route between Kampung Kubu Gajah and Paya Jaras Hilir.
Amirudin said a new permanent bridge would be built next year to the tune of RM20 million, to be completed by 2029. He explained that with Sungai Subang having been widened to about 40m, water would bottleneck at the old bridge during heavy rain.
“This is what caused the overflow and contributed to the bridge’s collapse in the heavy downpour, as well as the high river level during high tide,” he added.
Around 50 families were affected by the flood, while the bridge closure has affected access to more than 4,500 homes in the area.
The route was shut over safety factors, with the Public Works Department (JKR) having suggested alternative routes for residents while they wait for the Bailey bridge to go up.
