MERSING, Feb 5 — The stretch of Jalan Jemaluang-Mersing at Km16 which collapsed last month due to heavy rain will be upgraded for the safety of road users, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said the upgrading was also a long-term solution to problems along the stretch.
“Besides the collapsed stretch, the route has also been identified as a black spot or accident-prone area. So, we have agreed to design the route, widen the adjacent lane and strengthen it,” he told reporters after visiting the stretch here today.
Also present were Mersing MP Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad and Tenggaroh state assemblyman K. Raven Kumar.
Fadillah said the design of the route would take into account various aspects, including the safety features whereby metal road barriers would be installed.
“Once the design is ready and the allocation is approved, we expect the upgrading work to be completed within six months up to a year,” he said.
He said the temporary route at Km16 was opened to all vehicles today following repairs at a cost of RM2.5 million were completed.
Meanwhile, Fadillah said, his ministry would submit a proposal to the Economic Planning Unit to build a bypass connecting Mersing and Kuantan to help reduce traffic congestion in Mersing town. — Bernama
