The Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) will not meet standards for noise pollution nor ensure a smooth flow of traffic, said the Say No To Kidex (SNTK) group.

The group said this is readily acknowledged in the traffic and environmental assessment reports for the proposed 14.9km elevated highway, which were provided to the group by the Work Ministry.

Furthermore, SNTK said the reports may not be accurate since it does not account for the fact that the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) concession will expire in 2030 and become a toll-free highway.

The LDP shares similar destinations as Kidex, and the latter had previously been touted as an alternative for motorists stuck on the frequently congested LDP.

"Ultimately, the primary question that needs to be asked is if there is a need for Kidex, and there is nothing in the assessment reports that appear to justify it.

"As such, SNTK is of the opinion that the project offers little to no benefit to the public and does not justify the RM2.4 billion price tag associated with the project," the group said.

The group submitted its 25-page analysis of the reports to Works Minister Fadillah Yusof's office this morning, and thanked the minister for making the reports available.

Some roads may become more congested

They urged the minister to allow the Kidex concession agreement to lapse on Nov 14 this year, citing a pre-condition on the agreement that approval of the highway is dependent on, among others, “outcome of a public opinion survey” of the project.

Among others, the group comprising mostly of Petaling Jaya residents pointed out that according to the reports, Kidex would not only fail to substantially reduce traffic, but some existing roads would become more congested.

As for the LDP, the reports said the highway would be rated ‘F’ for its Level of Service with or without Kidex.

SNTK committee member Mak Khuin Weng ( left in photo ) explained that this means there would be heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic.

In addition, the reports indicate traffic on parts of Kidex would raise noise levels of nearby houses to above 70 decibels, sometimes as high as 77.4 decibels.

For comparison, 75 decibels is commonly described as being similar to noise levels heard when flushing a toilet, when using a vacuum cleaner, or when using electric coffee grinders.

Existing noise levels at some of these areas have also exceeded standards set by the Department of Environment (DoE) even without Kidex, the reports pointed out, which is 65 decibels for urban areas at daytime.

SNTK also argued that Kidex would take up space that could be used for public transportation and promote the use of private vehicles instead.

"(This is) in direct conflict with the objectives and directives of the Greater Kuala Lumpur Klang Valley Land Public Transport Masterplan," it said.