Jetfloat, Compact Bailey to temporarily replace Sg Tanum bridge

A floating bridge (jetfloat) and a compact Bailey bridge will be build soon to temporarily replace the Sungai Tanum Bridge in Kampung Aur Gading, which collapsed during the floods.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the construction of jetfloat and the prefabricated bridge will be undertaken by the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Public Works Department.

"The jetfloat is 50 metres long and two metres wide and can be used by motorcyclists and pedestrians only, while the Compact Bailey is 40-metres long and can be used by vehicles not exceeding 60 tonnes.

"They are needed to enable theresidents to enter and exit Kuala Lipis as and to facilitate travel when schools reopen soon," he told reporters during a visit together with Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to Kuala Lipis to inspect damaged Sungai Tanum Bridge.

Sungai Tanum

Hishammuddin during his work visit to observe the rebuilding of the Sungai Tanum bridge at Kampung Aur Gading today. - BERNAMApic

Fadillah and Hishammuddin also inspected two other bridges on the same river which were also swept away by floods.

The Sungai Tanum concrete bridge is the main route for Kampung Aur Gading villagers to go to Kuala Lipis town which takes about half an hour.

The collapse of the bridge has affected 3,000 residents of Kampung Aur Gading, Kampung Berkam and Kampung Bukit Betong from commuting and the only route now is via the Felda area which can only be traversed by a 4WD vehicle.