KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — A new road measuring just 40 metres has opened in Mont Kiara, creating a direct connection between Jalan Duta Kiara and Jalan Kiara 3 and giving motorists an alternative route towards Solaris Dutamas, Segambut and surrounding areas.

The RM3 million two-way link, fully funded by developer Bon Estates as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, is expected to reduce lengthy detours for residents in the densely developed neighbourhood, the New Straits Times reported.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said Jalan Duta Kiara had previously ended in a dead end, forcing motorists travelling between Bukit Pelangi and Solaris to take a longer route despite the two areas being close to one another.

“Before this road was constructed, those from Bukit Pelangi wanting to go to Solaris could not simply cross over despite the areas being so close.

“Everybody had to be stuck in the traffic. For residents here, they had to make a big round just to get home.

“With this connection, you can turn left or right, while traffic from the other side can come straight through,” she was quoted as saying after opening the road today.

Yeoh said the project followed discussions involving the developer, the Mont Kiara Residents’ Association and other local stakeholders over traffic and connectivity concerns in the area.

“I am very happy with the process of engagement with the stakeholders. This is how every development should be.

“You hear the feedback from the member of parliament, engage the local residents’ association and meet the needs of the local community,” she said.

According to the report, the new route would also provide another option for motorists travelling near a school along the existing road network.

Yeoh said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) was also planning another road connection from Jalan Kiara 7 to the Sprint Highway via the Penchala Link, which would further expand access in Mont Kiara.

“Mont Kiara has about 50 condominiums. I cannot undo the development because it was already like that when I was elected.

“But over the last few years, we have worked very hard with private developers and DBKL to facilitate the opening of more roads and give people greater access,” she said.

Yeoh said congestion and limited road connectivity remained among the main concerns raised by residents, particularly those travelling between neighbouring residential and commercial areas.

There is currently no estimate of how many vehicles are expected to use the new connection, she added, noting that DBKL had to balance infrastructure spending across different parliamentary constituencies.