Major Sinkhole ON SPA Highway Linked To Collapsed Culvert

A major sinkhole formed overnight on the Sungai Udang-Paya Rumput-Ayer Keroh Highway towards Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTEM), and early investigations point to a collapsed culvert as the cause.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who inspected the site today, said a detailed probe will precede any repair work. 

“We will investigate the culvert structure that runs along Lebuh SPA. Maybe there is also a problem with the culvert on the other side,” he said.

The hole, which appeared around 11.18PM, stretches about 10 metres long and five metres wide. Immediate safety measures have been put in place, including traffic diversions, warning signs, and a 300-metre closure of the expressway in both directions.

Alexander also highlighted the broader impact of this year’s Northeast Monsoon, revealing that 145 road locations nationwide have been affected, including 63 federal roads and 82 state roads. 

The issues include floods, flash floods, slope collapses, road subsidence, and even a damaged bridge.

According to the Ministry of Works, the culvert failure involves a structure 1.8 metres by 1.8 metres in cross-section, 40 metres long, and buried 10 to 11 metres below the surface. Sediment buildup on the road triggered the collapse.

Permanent repairs will require excavating a 10-metre by five-metre section, installing Temporary Sheet Piles, replacing damaged concrete culverts, backfilling and compacting soil, and restoring road structures and fixtures.
“The repair period is expected to take two months, depending on soil and weather conditions,” the ministry said. 

Costs are estimated at RM2.5 million, with a final figure to be confirmed after a forensic investigation by the Malaysian Public Works Department.