ALOR SETAR: The Kedah state government will construct a new bridge to replace the one that collapsed along Jalan Taman Serdang, Bandar Baharu recently, killing two teenagers.
Works, Water and Energy Committee chairman Zamri Yusuf said the Works Department's (JKR) forensic unit is in the midst of conducting a study on what caused the bridge to collapse before the construction of a new bridge can commence.
"We are still waiting for the full report from the forensic unit that is currently conducting a detailed investigation...if the report is ready, then we can decide on a suitable location for the new bridge.
"This comprehensive study is very important to obtain a solution that has long term benefits, but in the meantime the Kulim JKR has constructed a temporary detour in order to ease traffic in the area," he said when contacted, here, today.
Commenting further, Zamri said the state government would also direct related departments to check on the soil at other risky bridges in the state to avoid a repeat of what happened.
"The unfortunate incident like the one that happened along Jalan Taman Serdang did only damage infrastructure but involved loss of lives, the approach of checking for soil erosion under risky bridges must be taken to ensure the safety of residents," he said.
In the 10pm incident, Muhammad Haikal Hakimi Mohd Noor and Mohamad Haziq Ishak, both 17, died when the motorcycle they were on fell after the bridge collapsed. They were subsequently buried by the debris.
Their bodies were found at a depth of 0.3 metres.