Traffic Management Plan crucial for MRT2 construction works

PETALING JAYA: A comprehensive and effective Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is crucial in ensuring smooth construction works for the Mass Rapid Transit 2 (MRT2) as well as minimal disruption to road users, says MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP SSP) Sdn Bhd project director Param Sivalingam.
With construction works taking place, he said, road closures and diversions will be necessary to accommodate it.
"The traffic team will design a TMP as alternative routes for motorists to minimise inconvenience while providing a safe construction site for construction personnel to work in," he said, adding the TMP is passed to the respective Work Package Contractor (WPC) to further elaborate and identify the specific areas at which works are to take place.
Talking to theSun, Param said, those drafting the TMP will be in constant touch with the consultant and the stakeholders to ensure minimum disruption to road users including avoiding lane closures during peak hours.
"If there is a need for lane closure or traffic diversion, the public are informed in advance among others via the media, signages, banners and MRT website," he added.
He stressed that the TMP will be implemented upon approval from the relevant authorities.
"Day works will be implemented at residential areas whilst night works will only be conducted for commercial area and main roads," he said, adding to ensure smooth delivery and traffic flow during work construction, WPCs are required to place ample road diversion signs and traffic assistance.
He added WPC also works closely with the traffic and PR teams to address issues on public complaints or inquiry, usually received via the MRT Hotline.
"There is a resolution timeline which the project delivery partner (PDP) and WPC strictly follows, otherwise there will be some punitive consequences for either party.
"For example, a pot-hole complaint will need to be responded within 30 minutes and resolved within 36 hours. The resolution timer will continue if PDP is not satisfied with the resolution done. It will only stop once PDP is satisfied," he explained.
He said different complaints are dealt with different resolution timeframe and this ranges from a few hours to a few days.
Param added they received 60 complaints ranging from traffic, construction and environment with traffic being top in the list with 31 complaints (dissatisfaction).