JOHOR BARU: Repair works on a section of Jalan Jemaluang-Mersing, which collapsed last week, is expected to be completed by early March.
State Public Works and Rural and Regional Development Executive Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said Pintas Utama Sdn Bhd (PUSB), a slope maintenance contractor for Peninsular Malaysia, has been appointed to carry out the repair works.
"PUSB has also been asked to construct an alternative road that can be used while the road is being repaired. The contractor is expected to begin construction of the alternative road within the next two days. It is expected to be completed before the Chinese New Year holiday," said Hasni.
He said the repair work is expected to cost about RM2.5 million.
Last Monday, a portion at KM16 of the stretch, which connects Johor Baru to Mersing, collapsed at 2.30am.
Half of the road collapsed 15-metres down a slope. The entire damaged portion spans 70-metres in width.
The road was closed off to all vehicles after an assessment by the Mersing Public Works Department concluded that it wasn't safe for road users.
During the incident, a car slid down the collapsed portion of the road and was covered in rubble. However, the occupants of the car escaped unhurt.
Motorists have been advised to use Jalan Nitar-Jemaluang as an alternative route for now.