Gerik highway to receive safety upgrades following tragic bus crash, says Nanta
GERIK: The Works Ministry is preparing a report on the Pavement Condition Assessment to facilitate maintenance and paving work on the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway, set to begin soon.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the assessment uses technologies like multi-laser profiler, falling weight deflectometer, dynamic cone penetrometer, and trial pit.
The assessment began on March 13 and was completed on May 13, following modern international methods.
However, the facilities and methods used depend on the allocated budget, particularly for road construction and repair, he told reporters on Thursday (June 12) after visiting the site of the June 9 bus crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students at KM 53 of the highway.
Nanta previously announced that the crash site is among sections of the highway identified for upgrades this year, with an allocation of RM55mil.
Various initiatives have been taken since 2023 to improve the Gerik-Jeli route, especially on the FT04 Federal Road, Nanta said.
Funds totaling RM80mil were allocated for 55 scopes of work under the Periodic Pavement Maintenance Programme to ensure the highway's good condition.
The Work Order approval will be issued based on recommendations from the assessment report, he explained.
Additionally, RM3.585mil has been allocated for the Street Light and Signal Light Maintenance Project, involving solar light installation along the highway, set to begin in July.
The solar lights will be installed at the crash site.
This project is currently in the procurement phase by the Perak Public Works Department and is expected to be completed by the end of October, he added.
The ministry assures that all allocations will be used optimally for effective highway maintenance. - Bernama
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