Cheras intersection affected by sinkhole reopens to traffic

The sinkhole at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat has been filled and the route reopened to traffic. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
AN intersection in Taman Pertama, Cheras, is now reopened to traffic after a sinkhole there has been repaired.
The sinkhole, which appeared at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in late April, had led to the closure of sections of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi for public safety.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said initial checks at the site found the subsidence was not caused by any leaks, such as water or sewerage pipes.
'Further investigations are now focused on the underground drainage system, specifically the box culvert structure located 7m beneath the road.
'Inspections using drone technology and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems identified damage to the culvert structure.
'This damage was the cause of soil erosion and cavity formation in the surrounding area,' it said in a media statement.
In a May 8 StarMetro report, 'Cheras sinkhole leads to closure of several roads' it was speculated the caving-in could have developed during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works at a nearby development project.
DBKL said that as an immediate measure, refilling of the sinkhole with suitable materials was carried out and completed on May 20.
'At the same time, the developer was instructed to stabilise the surrounding area using the polyurethane (PU) foam injection method.
'The affected area remains closed for ongoing safety monitoring, while other routes at the junction have been reopened to traffic,' said the statement.
DBKL added that permanent repair of the box culvert structure would be carried out without the need to excavate the road surface, to minimise disruption.
The repair works are expected to take between three and six months, depending on the method chosen.
Resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema expressed concerns about safety and urged DBKL to share its findings.
'The authorities sealed up the main sinkhole in the middle of the intersection, but another one appeared near the corner of Jalan Selangat, just a few metres away,' he said.
Sukhdev, who is a member of the Cheras Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) for sub-zone 3, called for a thorough study to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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