SMART Tunnel

On 8-9th July, I went to SMART Tunnel Conference organised by ACEM, REAM & IEM, held at East In HOtel. I just want to share with you all on some infos which I think might be usefull for us, especially on the emergency tips.

On 8th, one whole day was a briefing on the Overview of the SMART Tunnel, include: Stormwater Management & Operation, TBM (Tunnel Boring Machines) Selection & Const, The Challenges of Managing SMART & Dual Purpose Tunnel, Flood Detection System, Stormwater Gates & Debris Removal System, Earth Retaining Syst for the 6 Shaft Excavations of the SMART Tunnel, Design Challenges to Cut and Cover Tunnels & Challenges in the Design of the MOtorway Ingress & Egress to SMART.

The above terms sounds too technical huh? Me too. Im a bit boring for the 1st day... Im trying hard to concentrate on all the presentations. However, as usual, of course got the ups & downs time. When up, ok lah. When down... ZZZzzzzzzzz... ehehhehe...

On the 2nd day, more interesting I guess.... 8.30am sharp, we departed to the "Motorway Control Centre". In here, more to briefing... they briefed us on the Motorway part of the SMART Tunnel. The flood gates, cross passages, CCTV inside tunnel, how they handle an emergency in SMART etc... On 10.30am, departed to "SMART Control Centre" in Jalan Ampang. This visit more to site visit on their holding pond at Sg Berembang. Will include some photos later.

I think, the most important things that we all should know (especially for the SMART tunnel users) are the emergency tips below:

In any emergency or car break down, make sure you stop at the emergency lane which located just beside the SMART highway lane. Stay inside your car and turn on your car emergency light & call their help line 1 300 88 7188. If you dont have a phone with you, find the nearest emergency exit which provided every 250m along the SMART tunnel highway. You can use their emergency phone which will automatically connect you to their SMART control centre. Wait until their rescue team arrive to assist you (usually they should take about 5 mins to get to your location).

In case you caught in accident or fire, please get away from your car to the nearest exit (emergency door). Dont panic, because their 24hrs detection system in SMART control centre will detect any abnormal condition or temperature inside the tunnel & sent their rescue team to assist you.

And the most important thing when using this SMART tunnel motorway, please be aware on their announcement inside the tunnel. Their VMS (variable message sign) will view the traffic info along the SMART tunnel & also the closure of the SMART tunnel in case of flood system implementation or any accident. You also can listen to the FM radio on any announcement as the tunnel can receive the FM radio and handphone signal.  

If you have any other queries on this SMART tunnel, you may visit their website: www.smarttunnel.com.my

All in all, I think, this SMART tunnel highway was safe for us to use, relief the traffic congestion in city center from South & west and effective to manage the flood problem in KL city. The only setback was the toll rate. Expensive lah...And also, the road surface, a bit noisy.. This was due the concrete pavement I think... Cant be avoid...