Monumental Landmark at Bali's Simpang Siur Intersections to Be Moved to Make Way for New Flyover.
(7/24/2010)
The well known Dewa Ruci monument at Kuta's Simpang Siur intersection will soon be moved to make way for the new overpass being constructed to ease Bali's now chronic traffic congestion. The removal of the landmark will allow the local government to create a straighter roadway path and reduce the need for land acquisition for the project's completion.
By removing the Dewa Ruci statue, the new road will avoid the necessity of taking an alternative path 20 meters away from the statues which, in turn, would necessitate the expensive and time-consuming acquisition of a row of shop houses.
Quoted by
Radar Bali, Governor Pastika said: "I don't think there is a problem in moving the statue. The monument is not a shrine or a holy place, although it does depict an epic story containing much Hindu symbolism from the Mahabharata tale."
The governor said he is inclined to move the statue to the north, creating a small park area surrounded by large trees. Alternatively, the statue could be placed behind the lighted notice board recently installed at the intersection.
In response to suggestions that it is better for Bali to build underpasses or tunnels, the governor revealed that while it would appear that tunnels would be a preferred solution, feasibility studies had revealed that a water is encountered at a depth of only 1.5 meters in the area surrounding the intersection.
Traffic Congestion During ConstructionPastika warned the public to expect traffic jams during approximate one year period needed for the construction of the overpass. A number of ideas to reduce traffic disruption during construction are being considered, including one suggestion to operate a ferry service from Serangan to Tanjung Benoa.
Related Article[
Monumental Change Ahead for Bali?]
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