SUNGAI BULOH: A bridge along Jalan Kubu Gajah collapsed early this morning following heavy rain, completely cutting off the main road connecting Kampung Kubu Gajah and Paya Jaras Hilir.
The incident, believed to have occurred at 2am, was caused by strong currents in Sungai Subang following heavy rainfall. The currents eroded the riverbank and compromised the bridge’s structural stability.
The Petaling district Public Works Department (PWD), in a statement today, said 48mm of rainfall was recorded at the Paya Jaras Hilir monitoring station.
“The strong currents in Sungai Subang following heavy rain caused damage to the riverbank near the bridge, affecting the stability of the structure,” it said.
The collapse left a large section of the road severely damaged, with photographs showing the asphalt surface torn apart and parts of the road having fallen into the riverbank below.
The department said the affected stretch had been completely closed to all vehicles to ensure public safety.
A traffic management plan has been prepared and implemented, including the installation of warning signs, safety barriers and diversion signs.
Motorists heading towards Merbau Sempak and Kubu Gajah have been advised to use Jalan Merbau Sempak towards Masjid Nurul Iman.
Those travelling to Paya Jaras Hilir can still access the area via Jalan Paya Jaras Hilir from Federal Route 54 (FT54).
The department said a temporary Bailey bridge would be installed as a medium-term measure to restore connectivity between the affected areas.
A permanent bridge will eventually be constructed to replace the collapsed structure.
The incident comes amid heavy rainfall that triggered flooding in several areas around Sungai Buloh early today, resulting in road closures and the opening of temporary evacuation centres.
The affected bridge is located along a state road crossing Sungai Subang in the Petaling district.