Gerik: The Ministry of Works (KKR) is in the midst of preparing a report on the Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA), which aims to facilitate maintenance and paving work on the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB) slated to be carried out soon. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the PCA involves the use of technologies such as multi laser profiler, falling weight deflectometer, dynamic cone penetrometer, and trial pit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PCA began on March 13 and was completed on May 13. Nanta emphasized that the PCA is being conducted using the latest, modern, and internationally applicable methods. He noted that the facilities or methods employed depend on the allocations provided, especially in building and repairing roads. Nanta shared these insights with reporters after visiting the location of the June 9 tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) at KM 53 of JRTB.
Nanta had previously announced that the crash location was among the sections along the highway identified for upgrading work this year, with an allocation of RM55 million. He also mentioned that since 2023, various initiatives have been undertaken to improve the Gerik-Jeli route, particularly on the FT04 Federal Road.
Funds amounting to RM80 million have been allocated to cover 55 scopes of work under the Periodic Pavement Maintenance Programme, which aims to ensure that the route on the JRTB is in good condition. Nanta explained that the Work Order approval will be issued when the scope of work is listed based on the recommendations from the PCA report.
Additionally, Nanta announced that RM3,585,000 was allocated for the Street Light and Signal Light Maintenance Project. This project involves the maintenance of traffic lights and the installation of solar lights along the JRTB, with work set to begin this July. The installation of solar lights will also cover the location of the fatal bus tragedy.
Nanta revealed that the project is currently in the procurement process by the Perak Public Works Department and is expected to be completed by the end of October this year. He assured that all the allocations provided would be used optimally to ensure that maintenance work at JRTB is carried out efficiently and effectively.