ONgoing work to improve Jalan Kepong Baru is expected to ease traffic congestion there.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) engineer Errwan Abdul Rashid said a 685m stretch would be repaved starting from Ambank Kepong Baru to Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Kepong Baru C.

He said the work, including installation of an anti-climb fence spanning 300m from the KRT to the junction near Jalan Ambong 4, was to deter illegal roadside parking.

This measure, he said, would prevent motorists from parking along the roadside and occupying space on the two-lane road.

“Usually, those who park along the street are roadside stall patrons.

“The anti-climb fence will redirect them to park their vehicles in designated parking bays,” he said during a press conference.

“This will prevent traffic congestion along the road.”

Errwan said road surface markings on the lane would be clearer once the road was paved and improvements would be completed within a month.

He added that the repairs costing RM400,000 was from DBKL’s annual allocation for road resurfacing while the anti-climb fences cost RM200,000.

Gabungan Persatuan Penduduk Kepong Kuala Lumpur chairman Loh Kok Wai welcomed the move.

“Previously, due to illegal roadside parking, there was traffic congestion especially during peak hours.

“Motorists from Jalan Kepong Baru turning left onto Jalan Ambong 4 would have to use the right lane due to the cars parked on the left.”

“Since last year, there has been more than five accidents along the stretch.

“This is a good improvement for Kepong residents and motorists in the area.”

Also present were Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng and his assistant Dic Lai.