SLIM RIVER: The Bailey bridge connecting Slim Village and Behrang, which collapsed during a flood last month, was opened to the public at 4am today.
Muallim Public Works Department district engineer, Ir Yussaime Ahmad Yusuf, said the bridge will benefit around 20,000 residents in the area and daily commuters.
He said that while the bridge was initially expected to be completed by Tuesday (Sept 17), but weather conditions and delays in construction materials pushed back the completion by three days.
"The bridge is 30 metres long and 7.4m wide, featuring two lanes for vehicles," he said.
"Vehicles weighing over 10 tonnes are not permitted, and we will continuously monitor compliance with these weight limits," he added.
About 200 vehicles, along with excited local residents, gathered near the bridge to witness the new temporary structure.
Meanwhile, Muallim District Public Works Department officer Mohd Sabli said that vehicle owners must adhere to the weight limits.
He said that a barrier will be installed if users fail to comply with the restrictions.
"Residents, especially parents with school-age children, will be relieved as they no longer need to take lengthy detours to bring their children to school," he added.
"Approximately 20,000 users, including locals, will benefit from the bridge, which serves as the main route between Slim River and Behrang," he said.
On Aug 24, Jalan Slim River-Behrang Hulu in Perak was closed to the public after the Slim Village bridge collapsed due to heavy rainfall.
A burst dam in Kampung Ulu Slim caused a powerful surge of water, flooding homes and resulting in the collapse of two other bridges in the area.