Ampang LRT users will have to put up with the disruption between its Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations until September as the structural repairs will take up to seven months to complete.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said two months are needed for work to strengthen the structure, while five months are for comprehensive repair work.
“This will take time as investigations showed that the structural damage poses a very serious safety risk,” said Loke in a press conference in Parliament today.
He added that Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will implement mitigating steps to avoid such disruptions in the future, and make sure users are comfortable at all times.
“When the Putrajaya MRT line opens in mid-March, commuters on the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT line can use interchange stations such as Chan Sow Lin, Titiwangsa, and Sg Besi as alternatives.”
Previously, Ampang LRT operator Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd said preliminary observations indicated the structural damage to the flyover in the area was believed to be the result of construction work adjacent to the area concerned.
Services on the route between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya LRT stations have been discontinued temporarily.
When asked about the possible action against the developer, the minister said the repairs are priority.
“We have to bear the cost of the repairs first, as we cannot afford to wait for the compensation from legal action.
“However, once we get evidence, we reserve the right to take necessary legal action against them,” said Loke.
He added that he hopes the local authorities in charge of construction will consult the Land Public Transport Agency if their works are near any railway protection zones.
Meanwhile, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd today (Feb 22) confirmed that ground movements from nearby construction works had caused structural damage to part of the LRT line near the Bandaraya station.
It said there was damage to the viaduct structure and cracks in a pier near the station, which required the suspension of services between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations since late January.
These findings are from an investigation into the matter that has since been completed, the transport operator said.
“The findings showed that the damage to three viaduct structures and pier were caused by ground movements believed to be from works at an adjacent building site.
“As stated previously by the Land Public Transport Authority (LPTA) on January 27, these works were started without any consultation with LPTA as required under the Railways (Railway Protection Zone) Regulations 1998,” Prasarana said in a statement today.
It is now in the process of appointing a contractor to conduct repair works that are expected to begin in early March.
Reiterating Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s comments on the matter this morning, Prasarana said the repair works would take seven months.
“This includes two months for temporary remedial works to strengthen the structure, and five months for comprehensive repair works.
“The repair works will take time as investigations have shown that damage to the structure has caused serious safety risks,” Prasarana said.
It said it also reserved the right to take legal action against the responsible parties.
The investigation was done by engineering consultants Arup Jururunding Sdn Bhd under the supervision of a special committee that included Prasarana, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, and Occupational Safety and Health Department.
Earlier today, Loke said Ampang/Sri Petaling LRT users will have to put up with the disruption between the Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations until September as structural repairs will take up to seven months to complete.
In the meantime, the Chan Sow Lin, Titiwangsa and Sg Besi stations will serve as alternative interchange stations, while feeder bus services will also continue to help commuters complete their journeys.
