The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) said that the road closure was executed immediately after the depression was discovered under the pedestrian walkway by the MRT Underground project contractors.
“After discovering the depression, contractors immediately deployed the Emergency Response Team to the location and contacted the authorities.
“The decision was made based on the MRT project’s standard operating procedures to close the 500 meter stretch of the Jalan Bukit Bintang heading towards Jalan Tun Razak to reduce the risks towards the public.
“Police and ERT staffs werealso deployed to the location to control the traffic,” said MRT Corp in a a statement to the media on Wednesday.
MRT Corp stated that the closure which started at 9am was to enable soil strengthening works to be done.
It also stated that Jalan Bukit Bintang will be closed until 6am on Thursday.
“During the closure, a contra traffic flow has been implemented. Vehicles heading towards Jalan Tun Razak from Bukit Bintang were ordered onto the opposite lanes (heading towards Bukit Bintang).
“Two other lanes are still open for vehicles heading towards Bukit Bintang.”
Meanwhile, MRT Corp Public Relation and Strategic Communication Director, Amir Mahmood Razak said that the depression had not caused a sinkhole.
“We have immediately closed the road when our contractors discovered the road depression, according to our standard operating procedure.
“I deny rumours which stated that a car has fallen into a sinkhole. I am urging for those who are spreading such rumour to stop doing it as it can cause panic,” said Amir.
Road users are advised t use alternative routes to avoid the area.
“Traffic from Bukit Bintang heading towards Jalan Tun Razak can head to Jalan Imbi at Chulan Square and then turn left towards Jalan Inai and then turn left again to Jalan Kampung and reenter Jalan Bukit Bintang at the traffic light where they can turn right and head towards Jalan Tun Razak.
“Alternatively, road users can head straight towards Jalan Inai and reach Jalan Tun Razak.
“Another alternative route is to head into Jalan Imbi and turn left at the entrance of the SMART Tunnel and head towards the Bulatan Kampung Pandan and go into Jalan Tun Razak.”
