(6/7/2012)
Seputarbali.com reports that at the end of May 2012 the underpass project at the Simpang Siur Intersection and the Dewa Ruci Monument has achieved a 27% completion rate.
Hendro Satrio, who heads the underpass construction, confirmed the 27% completion rate. Presently, work is progressing on widening the road on the east and west sides of the project site and the installation of box culverts for the diversion of water. Satrio explained that the widening of the road will take place in two phases of widening the east and west sides and then the north and south sides of the roads abunting the Dewi Ruci Monument in order to ensure traffic keeps flowing over the busy intersection.
The second phase of widening of the north and south sides is scheduled to start in August 2012.
Satrio confirmed that the total length of the new underpass would stretch 435 meters. The tunnels of the underpass will be constructed in such a way as to leave the Dewa Ruci Monument intact and unscathed.
“What’s not simple in building the underpass is organizing traffic flows around the ongoing construction. We are working at the crossroads of the world with thousand of people from any nations passing through this area every day,” explained Satrio. He said one of the factors causing congestion at the intersection is the desire of passing motorists to slow down and observe the construction process firsthand.
When completed in early 2013 the new underpass will have four northbound lanes and four southbound lanes connecting the Sunset Road with the Bypass running to Bali’s Airport and Nusa Dua. Apparently, plans to have an underpass connecting Sanur to the southern highway were abandoned to act as an indirect incentive for motorist to use the new toll way connecting Benoa with the airport and Nusa Dua.
The underpass project is being constructed by a consortium headed by PT Adhi Karya at a total contract value of Rp. 136.19 billion (US$14.65 million). The project covers a total land area of 7,440 square meters with construction expected to be completed by May 2013.
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