SHAH ALAM, Nov 5 — The new permanent bridge at Kampung Kubu Gajah in Sungai Buloh will be wider, longer and higher to accommodate the widened Sungai Subang and prevent water bottlenecks that could cause floods, said state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim.
He said the Selangor government has approved RM20 million for the project under the Selangor Second Plan (RS-2), with the allocation approved last year and preliminary works underway.
“The new bridge will be wider to accommodate the river’s flow and prevent another water bottleneck.
“The structure will also be raised about (0.6m) higher than the existing bridge to improve water flow,” he said during a press conference at the State Secretariat Building today, explaining that the new structure would be about 36m long.
The old bridge connecting Kampung Kubu Gajah to Paya Jaras Hilir collapsed in two places in the wee hours yesterday during a heavy downpour.
“The river’s strong currents caused the collapse at two sections because the old bridge created a bottleneck,” Izham said.
He added that the state government will install a temporary Bailey bridge to the tune of RM350,000, under the Selangor Public Works Department (JKR). Preliminary works, including the relocation of 15 utility poles, have started.
“We will (start putting up) the Bailey bridge on November 13,” he said, adding that the structure will be completed by the end of the month.
Izham explained that the route is closed for safety, with motorists heading towards Merbau Sempak and Kampung Kubu Gajah to be diverted through Jalan Merbau Sempak towards Masjid Nurul Iman. Those travelling to Paya Jaras Hilir may continue using Jalan Paya Jaras Hilir.
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said a new permanent bridge would be built by 2029, adding that with Sungai Subang having been widened to about 40m, water bottlenecked at the old bridge during the heavy downpour and caused a flood.
