Setiawangsa – Pantai Expressway (SPE)

Setiawangsa – Pantai Expressway (SPE) or previously known as Duke 3 is an expressway linking the north and south regions of Kuala Lumpur, from Taman Melati to Kerinchi, with seven interchange locations including both Kuala Lumpur’s upcoming central business district and transit-oriented development which is the Tun Razak Exchange and Bandar Malaysia respectively. This expressway is approximately 29.8km long and is made up of a dual-two carriageway. The main objective of this expressway is to serve as an alternative route and to ease the traffic congestion within central Kuala Lumpur. SPE or Duke 3 is one of the first few highways to have an elevated double deck viaduct in Malaysia.

Technical Description

EDP Consulting Group Sdn. Bhd. was involved in providing consulting engineering for a list of comprehensive civil infrastructure, highway, structural and geotechnical engineering services for package Section 2 from Bandar Malaysia (Salak Interchange) to Tun Razak Exchange (Pandan Interchange). The Setiawangsa – Pantai Expressway (SPE) bridge general structure configuration adopts both pre-tensioned ‘U’ beams and post-tensioned “T” beams with in-situ deck slab with spans ranging from 25m to 45m for the superstructures. For long spans exceeding 60m to 70m, Dura UBG girder with UHPFRC was adopted. Double Deck Single Pier Structure or also known as ‘‘Ice-Cream Pier’’ is a specially designed along with unique features that enhances the cost effectiveness and reduced construction period. This specifically designed Double Decker Single Pole Structure was chosen after meticulous evaluation was carried out based on a number of set criteria, for one which would be its aesthetic appearance towards its general users along with the structural feasibility for its pier. Also most importantly, site and space constraints considering that all constructions were carried out in urban Kuala Lumpur areas with heavy traffic. Bore piles and hand dug caisson were adopted for the viaduct foundations. The Setiawangsa – Pantai Expressway (SPE) alignment is underlain by KL Limestone Karst formation with bedrock formation varying from 2.5m to 19.5m from existing ground level. Limestone cavities were present at localised areas. Debonded bore piles for the interface with MRT line 1 and Smart Tunnel were also adopted in compliance with the Railway Act, to ensure no gravity loads were transferred to the MRT Line 1 and the SMART Tunnel.

Project Highlights, Achievement and Recognition:

• Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE) is the first double deck with single pole structural viaduct design in Malaysia.
• Spearhead the usage of Dura UBG girder with ultra-high-performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) for highway which is supplied by a bridge girder manufacturer, Dura Technology.
• Detailed impact assessment of foundation interfacing with MRT tunnel structure line 1, 2 and Smart Tunnel.