Traffic lights to be installed at busy Rothmans Roundabout in Petaling Jaya

By Yip Yoke Teng
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/1/15/central/7778336&sec=central

Work to turn the infamous Rothmans Roundabout in Petaling Jaya into a traffic light junction has begun.

Under the project, the T-junction of Jalan Harapan and Jalan 19/8 will also be installed with traffic lights.

An additional lane will be added to both the roads, as well as to Jalan 19/1 and Jalan Universiti leading to the roundabout.

The first phase of the project would cost RM4.2mil and was expected to take eight months to complete, said the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) engineering director Cheremi Tarman after a briefing on the project at the council’s headquarters.

Petaling Jaya Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San and residents attended the briefing.

Produktif Sepakat Consulting Engineers Sdn Bhd is the consultant, while Gorass Sdn Bhd is the contractor.

“The project will not involve any road closure and work will only be carried out during off-peak hours to minimise congestion,” said Cheremi.

He said the second phase of the project to link Jalan Harapan to Sprint Highway would cost RM5.3mil.

“We are still collecting contribution from developers who have new projects in Section 13. We will start Phase 2 when we have collected half the amount. The same consultant will work on the project,” he added.

Cheremi highlighted that having traffic lights to replace the roundabout was only an interim solution, until a flyover was built.

“However, we do not see that happening soon as that can cost about RM25mil,” he added.

Cheremi said the traffic light junction project was delayed from last year because the council wanted to ensure that there were no major utility cables underground and also to attract more contractors for the open tender.