Roads And Streets In Brickfields Set For Major, Safer Redesign

The 1.5 KM-long Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad main road stretch in Brickfields, renowned as 'Little India', is set to undergo a redesign by DBKL. (Image: Wikipedia)

The 1.5 KM-long Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad stretch of road that runs through the Brickfields neighbourhood – renowned as Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Little India’ – is set to undergo a major redesign and makeover.

“The redesign features a host of urban planning elements aimed at creating safer, more liveable streets,” said Muhammad Azri Abdul Aziz, deputy director of Urban Transportation Department, Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL).

Additionally, the project is set to be executed over three phases, where it will also involve DBKL’s Project Implementation and Building Maintenance Department arms.

The revelation came as part of a special report and insight published by local daily The Star earlier today. In it, the daily shed light on some of the difficulties and dangers faced by Brickfields community members from its now unsafe roads and streets.

Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad is largely lined with schools, churches, temples, offices and residential buildings, which in turn brings heavy footfall. It is also touted by DBKL as Kuala Lumpur’s busiest school route with 4,120 students present in the district.

The Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad stretch in Brickfields is also touted by DBKL as KL's busiest school route with 4,120 students present in the area. (Pic: The Star)                             

What also made things difficult for community members in Brickfields is the fact that this stretch of main road has long been plagued by reckless driving, near-misses with pedestrians, and scores of illegal parking. Adding to which too are the various vendors present on the streets and sidewalks here too.

“It has been notorious for accidents, including fatalities and near-misses, for years. And despite the 30km/h speed limit, these incidents still happen,” admits DBKL’s Muhammad Nazri further.

“We’re introducing raised pedestrian crossings and intersections to slow traffic, narrowing road lanes near school zones to promote safer driving, widening pavements for wheelchair accessibility, adding a dedicated bicycle lane, and establishing a park connector to link nearby green spaces,’’ detailed Muhammad Azri further.

Much of the transformation planned by DBKL for Brickfields takes lessons and cues from similar efforts done in TTDI and Setapak prior. (Image: The Star)

With that, roadside parking will also be banned, except for passenger pick-up and drop-offs. Muhammad Azri further added that DBKL has also included plans to establish a pocket park that will act to serve the local community.

Notably, The Star’s report also highlights that this transformation plan for Brickfields by DBKL takes lessons learnt from successful past efforts in both Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) and Setapak.

The former saw improved pedestrian walkability plus curbed illegal U-turns and parking improving the traffic situation along TTDI’s busiest stretch. The latter effort, on the other hand saw the redesign of roads around SK Danau Kota 2 reducing vehicle speeds and raising community road safety awareness.