MIRI (Dec 10): The Public Works Department (JKR) will begin repair works on the Niah–Simpang Ngu stretch of the Q283 road, which was cut off following severe flooding on Tuesday morning.

JKR Divisional Engineer Stephen Ung said an excavator is being transported to the affected site on Wednesday, noting that mobilisation requires a longer detour via Bekenu before entering Batu Niah road through the Pan Borneo Highway.

“The temporary culvert size of 1.8m high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been confirmed, and the transporter is now arranging collection from the depot for the proposed installation of a temporary 1.8m twin HDPE culvert at Q283 Batu Niah Feeder Road CH1+090,” he said in a statement.

Ung added that concrete barriers will be installed at the site to replace the existing plastic barriers, to prevent them from being moved by road users or members of the public.

He said JKR has also issued road closure notifications through its social media platforms.

The affected stretch is believed to be the worst hit by flooding early Tuesday, following continuous heavy rain since Monday evening.

The severed road left many vehicle users and members of the public stranded, forcing them to take alternative routes.