Is an elevated route the answer to Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari’s gridlock?

SHAH ALAM – The Selangor state government has proposed the construction of a fully elevated stretch along Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari here to resolve traffic congestion.

Selangor State Infrastructure and Agriculture Exco Datuk Ir Izham Hashim said the construction of the elevated route stretching from the section before the Green Hill junction up to the Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) is seen as capable of easing vehicle flow, although it requires further study due to its high cost.

He said the proposed plan, estimated to cost £175 million (RM1 billion), is among the options being considered to alleviate congestion on the route, which accommodates about 80,000 vehicles daily.

"In my view, if we have sufficient funds, an elevated route would indeed be the best solution.

"With a nine-kilometre elevated stretch, vehicles travelling towards further destinations can proceed straight through, while those turning into residential areas can use the lower road," he said during a press conference and briefing session here on Thursday.

Sinar reported on Oct 23 that residents had questioned the implementation timeline for a flyover on Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari, first proposed roughly 15 years ago following recurring accidents and heavy traffic congestion along the route.

Taman Alam Budiman Residents Association chairman Badrulhisham Shahbudin, stated that the proposed solution needs serious attention, as the route serves as one of the main access points to DASH for motorists from Puncak Alam, Puncak Perdana, Meru, Saujana Utama, and nearby residential developments.

Izham noted that the state government is currently planning upgrading works along a five-kilometre stretch from Section 11 to the Green Hill junction, costing £22.5 million (RM128 million) under the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2).

"This project includes re-aligning the road to a more uniform four-lane carriage layout, as well as constructing a flyover to help smooth traffic flow," he explained.

According to Izham, these upgrading works are expected to take at least three years.

He added that the state government also plans to upgrade the Alam Budiman junction at a cost of approximately £525,000 (RM3 million), which includes adding an extra lane to allow Shah Alam-bound traffic to flow continuously without waiting at traffic lights.

"Physical works are expected to begin next year, subject to the relocation of relevant utilities," he said.

In the same development, Izham revealed that a road safety study completed on 22 October found that the traffic Level of Service (LOS) on Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari is currently at Level F, the most severe congestion rating on the scale.

He mentioned that the study also recorded nine accidents between March and October this year, including one fatality.

"Alongside infrastructure improvements, road users must adhere to the speed limit to reduce the risk of accidents along the route," he added.

Izham provided a briefing regarding the congestion issue on Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari here on Thursday.