The MRR2, opened in stages between 1999 and 2003, was built to connect neighbourhoods near the boundary between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
The project was awarded to a consortium made up of Sukmin Sdn Bhd and Konsortium Kontraktor Melayu (Wilayah), and the contract was to design and build the RM238.8 million Package II of MRR2.
Package II begins from the Taman Kepong Indah Interchange and ends at the Lebuhraya Da-mansara-Puchong Highway/ Sungai Buloh/ Bandar Sri Damansara Interchange.
On the previous two occasions when the MRR2 was closed, defects were found on the 1.7km- stretch of the elevated highway.
The MRR2 was closed for the first time on Aug 9, 2004, and reopened in November.
It was closed again for the second time in February 2006 and reopened in December the same year.
Following is the chronology of events
Aug 9, 2004: The 1.7km flyover is closed after cracks are found on 31 of its 33 pillars as a result of improper anchoring of the crossbeams.? (The closed stretch is between the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia interchange and the Taman Bukit Maluri interchange). The then Works Minister Datuk S. Samy Vellu refuses to regard the cracks as a design flaw.
September 2004: An independent consultant, Halcrow Consultants Ltd, is selected after two consultants from Australia and Germany produce different findings on the cracks.? Halcrow says the cracks are due to a design flaw and improper anchorage of the crossbeams on the concrete columns.? Repairs to the 1.7km stretch include water-proofing and installing metal braces.
Nov 13, 2004: The flyover is reopened to light vehicles but two lanes on each stretch remain closed for observation and tests by Halcrow.? The contractor bears the cost of repairs, estimated at RM18.3 million.
October 2005: Halcrow warns that the flyover will collapse within two years if repairs are not done immediately.
January 2006: Samy Vellu gives assurancethat it is safe to travel on the MRR2 despite the cracks on its beams and pillars.
Second closure
February 2006: MRR2 is closed for further repairs.
August 2006: The MRR2 re-opens to light traffic and Samy Vellu states that it is "safer than ever".
December 2006: The MRR2 is fully opened to public after remedial works end
