Underground “SMART” Tunnel Proposed in PJ To Mitigate Traffic And Flood

Spawning from the cancellation of the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is mulling the introduction of an underground passageway planned under the Draft Special Area Plan (RKK) for Sections 19, 51, and 51A in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

MBPJ Planning Development Department’s Director Lee Lih Shyan announced that the 1.98 KM  tunnel would traverse Sections 51, 51A, Federal Highway Route 2, and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE).

Additionally, the total cost for the tunnel construction is estimated to be at RM350 million, which will be funded through the city’s development trust account using funds collected from developers. He also explained that the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART Tunnel) is aimed at easing traffic congestion and mitigating floods in the city.

The proposed 1.98 km SMART Tunnel however does draw scepticism from several residents, especially in regards to the tunnel's effectiveness in dispersing traffic and suggested cheaper alternatives like a flyover which would potentially be better.

“We need to know where the tunnel will start and end. Since the tunnel is meant to mitigate flooding, we also need to understand where the water will be channelled to,” said David Yoong, a retired civil engineer. He added, “Based on the details we have, the tunnel will not solve the flooding or traffic problems.”

Meanwhile, long-time Section 51 resident Jermain Ryan voiced concerns about property acquisition to facilitate the tunnel's construction. “My row of houses has no walkway and is prone to flooding. We are under the LRT line too.” She also expressed that she is not convinced this tunnel near her house is viable.

Lee also has invited affected residents in the area to join in the next engagement session to discuss details with the MBPJ Engineering Department. Furthermore, stakeholders may file questions or objections to the RKK from today onwards through a form downloadable from the MBPJ website.

Source: The Star