Tidal flow to continue

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THE traffic tidal flow along Jalan Sungai Bakau-Batang Berjuntai in Rawang is set to be a permanent feature despite a new flyover being built here.

It was introduced in February last year to ease traffic congestion.

The tidal flow — a 3km stretch — from the NKVE Rawang toll heading to Bandar Country Homes was initiated by Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillor Gunarajah R. George.

The move was well-received by the 100,000 residents in the area.

Daily occurren ce: Traffic building up along Jalan Sungai Bakau-Batang Berjuntai just after the Rawang toll plaza during rush hour in the evening.

The residents from the townships and villages which include Taman Velox, Taman Bayu Permai, Bandar Tasik Puteri, Bandar Country Homes, Kota Emerald, Kampung Sungai Bakau, Kampung Sungai Bakau Tambahan, Taman Desa Mas, Batu Arang, Puteri Heights, Desa Mutiara, Casa Ria, Saujana Rawang and Kota Bidari use this road daily.

Gunarajah stressed that the ongoing construction work on the flyover along this road would not help ease traffic congestion.

“During rush hour, especially in the evenings, there is still heavy traffic from Rawang town to the Rawang toll plaza.

“Motorists here are forced to use one lane along this stretch. There are some stretches where three lanes are narrowed to just one.

“And if any vehicle gets stalled, the traffic congestion gets worse.

“The Federal Government had approved the building of two lanes — from Rawang town to Bandar Country Homes — more than a decade ago but it did not materialise. And this has resulted in Rawang residents having to endure the traffic madness here,” Gunarajah said.

He added that even Selayang parliamentary coordinator Jessie Ooi had given a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak pertaining the matter.

Gunarajah wanted to know how long the people in Rawang would have to endure the traffic congestion. He wanted the Public Works Department (PWD) and Federal Government to find a solution.

“As a Rawang resident, I feel for the people and hired people to place cones along the Jalan Sungai Bakau-Batang Berjuntai to ease traffic congestion.

“But I wonder how long these cones and traffic tidal flow must last. It is only a temporary measure.

“Moreover, huge holes on the road shoulders and construction works are now additional problems to motorists.

“And with the new Jusco being opened here, the traffic congestion will worsen.

“I have also requested that PWD repair the road shoulders and extend the traffic tidal flow to weekends. At present, the traffic tidal flow on weekdays are from 4.30pm to 8.30pm,’’ he said.