LAHAD DATU: Swift action by the Public Works Department (JKR) and contractors has restored the access along the main Lahad Datu-Tawau road that collapsed Friday due to an embankment failure.
The temporary diversion road was completed at 6.30pm, allowing vehicles to resume using the route after more than three hours of closure.
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Lahad Datu District Officer Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul said the incident occurred at CH97+000, near Silam, at 2pm when an embankment failure damaged approximately 50 metres.
“Immediate action was taken to reconnect the route to ease congestion affecting motorists travelling between Lahad Datu and Tawau.
“Road filling works were completed at 6.30pm and JKR will continue monitoring the area from time to time to ensure the route remains safe for public use,” he said.
Firuz said no injuries were reported in the incident and the cause of the embankment failure is still under investigation.
Earlier, the collapse forced a complete closure of the road, leaving vehicles stranded in both directions as there was no alternative access route available.
Motorists travelling from neighbouring districts, including Semporna, Kunak, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, were also affected by the disruption.
Photos and videos of the incident went viral with members of the public telling road users to plan their trips and be cautious.
