Independent assessor to evaluate LPT2, initial report out next week

An independent assessor has been appointed to evaluate the condition of the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2), with the first report expected to be completed next week, said Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah

Yusof.

He said the ministry had instructed the Public Works Department (JKR) to appoint an independent assessor to reassess if the highway's road surface complied with the specified grip index for road users.

This assessment body would also conduct a safety audit on the highway in connection with the road bends and uneven road surfaces, he said.

He added that the body would also conduct a road surface profiling to determine if soil movement had resulted in uneven road surfaces thus exposing danger to road users.

"Once the initial report is obtained, we will immediately take mitigation action including resurfacing the roads and rectifying sharp bends," he told reporters after attending the Quantity Surveying International Convention 2015 here, today.

According to police statistics, the LPT2 which stretches as far as 184 kilometres from Jabor, Kemaman to Gemuruh, Kuala Nerus has recorded 1,989 accidents and claimed 85 lives since January 2011.

Last Wednesday, a family of six travelling from Kuala Terengganu to Kuantan died when the driver of the car lost control of his vehicle before crashing into the rear of a trailer parked on the emergency lane of the highway.

A motorcyclist was also killed in an accident at Km317.9 early yesterday morning when his motorcycle skidded and hit the road divider.

Fadillah advised LPT2 highway users to be cautious, abide by road instructions and drive according to the stipulated speed limits.

"If motorists follow traffic rules, signs, and signals and drivers adopt a defensive driving attitude, God willing, we will all be safe on the roads," he said.

Fadillah said that most highway accidents in the country were attributed to human factor, poorly maintained vehicles and unsafe road conditions.