BY JAROD LIM

Residents say the U-turn at the Silk Highway is causing congestion and is a safety hazard as it is too close to the highway exit. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG

TAMAN Dutamas residents are unhappy that the upgraded Jalan Suakasih in Cheras, which now includes a divider, has made it difficult for motorists to access the commercial lots on both sides of the road.

Motorists coming from the opposite direction now need to make a U-turn at the junction of SILK highway or Jalan Cheras Perdana to reach their destinations.

The residents claim this contributes to traffic congestion besides being a safety hazard for motorists.

Previously, motorists could access both lanes of traffic when coming out of the commercial area. This changed after divider was built three months ago.

“This is where traffic from a three-lane road is squeezed into two lanes, since one lane is used for the U-turn.

“Due to the narrow lanes and the need for the U-turn, motorists are constantly being caught in a jam at both junctions, especially during evening peak hours.

“It is an accident-prone area. Last week, a motorcyclist was knocked down by a speeding vehicle,” said Taman Dutamas LA Ville Residents Association treasurer Joe Randhawa.

Two malls, Aeon Cheras Selatan and Econsave, as well as the Balakong Furniture Plaza are located in the area, drawing a large crowd from nearby townships during weekends.

Taman Dutamas LA Ville RA chairman Datuk S. Prabakaran Selvaraju said the residents plan to send a letter to Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) on the matter.

“Residents hope for a ‘gap’ to be opened in the middle of the road divider so that we can access Jalan Dutamas Utama, which leads directly to the residential area.

“I have voiced our concerns to Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng and hope that the council will give their feedback on our request,” he said, adding that they wished for an amicable solution.

Ng urged the residents to be patient as MPKj had called for tender for the construction of a proper U-turn at the junction of the SILK Highway and the main road.

“The tender process is expected to be completed within a month and the new U-turn is in accordance with a plan proposed by MPKj’s traffic consultant.

“The traffic lights near Cheras Traders Square were built by taking into consideration the proximity of both junctions where motorists make the U-turn.

“They cannot be too close to each other,” he added.