IT HAS been an eventful 12 months in the Klang Valley. Today StarMetro starts its Yearender series, recapping 2011 and highlighting the significant events and moments. We kick off with the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Often the construction or upgrading of roads always falls short of it intended purpose as in the case Jalan Genting Klang.
According to traffic consultant Goh Bok Yen, 65,000 to 75,000 vehicles used the road daily. It serves the eastern corridor connecting motorists to the Middle Ring Road 2.
About RM80mil had been spent upgrading the four-kilometre stretch. Work began in 2008 to widen the road, including the building of drains and pedestrian walkway.
However, with rapid development that included high-rise apartments, hospital and shopping malls, the upgrading failed to meet its purpose.
Indiscriminate parking, buses and taxis hogging the road as well as an increase in population has made the road as congested as before the upgrade.
Even the design of the road is flawed, A similar scenario can been seen at Old Klang Road.
No end in sight: Jalan Genting Klang is still plagued by congestion problem. Upgrading of the 5.4km stretch started in 2002 costing the Federal Government RM359mil.
It, too. has seen rapid development and the road is now unable to cope with the increase in the number of vehicles.
At the latest development in Old Klang Road, Scott Garden, motorists park along the already congested road due to lack of parking bays.
However, with every development Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) assures the public there are enough parking space and the traffic impact assessment is carried out accordingly.
On an average a Malaysian household has three cars because many cannot rely on public transport.
The only foreseeable solution would be the MY Rapid Transit (MRT) but even that is plagued by issues such as land acquisition and protests in several housing estates.
Work has begun on the Sungai Buloh-Kajang project, covering 51km route with 31 stations.
The road-widening projects are often done not only to ease the congestion but also to cater to development, including the MRT stations.
Perhaps the Government can look into imposing rules like in Singapore, where it is harder for people to own a car. If it makes more sense and cheaper for people to drive, then the MRT will not be a success.
As a result, the Government would probably be building more and more roads to ease the congestion.
However, only time will tell if the the road projects will benefit motorists in the Klang Valley.
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