This assurance was given today by the authorities here following viral pictures apparently showing a flyover sinking slightly along a joint in the retaining wall.
State Public Works Committee Chairman Lim Hock Seng said this occurrence on the Sungai Pinang Interchange along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (LCE) was normal.
He said wear and tear was the main cause of the crack. The LCE was built in 2003.
“We have summoned the original design contractors and engineers to inspect the site to ascertain remedial works that need to be done.
“The affected site is very strong as it is reinforced with steel bars, concrete and earth, typical of any bridge-like construction.
“On the surface of the road itself, there is hardly any sign of damage,” Lim said at a press conference at the affected site today.
Present were IJM Land Senior General Manager Toh Chin Leong and Sungai Pinang Assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
After pictures of the sinking retaining wall became viral on social media and WhatsApp, Public Works Department and city council workers were sent to inspect the site this morning.
It was learnt that patrons of a food court situated next to the interchange were the first to alert the authorities on the anomaly as it was in their line of sight.
The 17.84km LCE connects George Town in the northeast to Bayan Lepas in the south of the island.
A 4.7km portion, from Weld Quay in George Town to Udini Road in Gelugor, was built by construction company IJM Land. It is in this stretch that the road seems to have subsided.
Toh said it was impossible for the subsidence to cause catastrophic damage and this was perfectly normal.
However, IJM Land’s engineers will carry out thorough checks of the affected area immediately.
On a different note, Lim said IJM Land would begin repaving the entire 4.7km stretch beginning on Monday. He said this was part of the seven-yearly resurfacing plan.
Penang Gerakan Vice-Chairman I Oh Tong Keong, who attended the press conference, said the state government must keep a close eye on all parts of the expressway for any faults.
He said although IJM was responsible for maintenance, the government must keep an eye on infrastructure safety.
“Don’t step in only when there is a disaster. We must be pro-active and not reactive.”
