Menora Tunnel: A troubled history of frequent accidents and loss of lives

The Menora Tunnel serves as a crucial highway tunnel in Perak connecting the cities of Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar as part of the North-South Expressway. It was initially opened in 1986 and has since played a vital role in facilitating travel between the northern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia.

However, despite its significance, the Menora Tunnel has been plagued by a distressing history of frequent accidents. In 2019 alone, a total of 12 accidents occurred within its confines, leading to the tragic loss of 10 lives and leaving 26 individuals injured. Sadly, the most recent accident transpired on March 8, 2023, involving a collision between a lorry and a car, which claimed the life of the car’s driver.

On early Saturday morning, six individuals sustained injuries when an express bus they travelled in collided with a lorry near the tunnel. The express bus, carrying 26 passengers along with the driver, was en route from Penang to Kuala Lumpur when the unfortunate incident took place.

History and development of the Menora Tunnel

The Menora Tunnel, which spans an impressive 880 metres, was officially opened in 1986, a year after the inauguration of the Penang Bridge.

During the opening ceremony of the Ipoh to Changkat Jering highway on September 24, 1987, the late Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah presided over the inauguration of the Menora Tunnel.

This highway project, with a total cost of RM360 million, stands as the second-tolled highway in Perak, following the Slim River to Tanjung Malim highway.

Spanning a length of 880 meters in one direction and 830 meters in the other, the Menora Tunnel is known by different names based on the direction of travel. Some refer to it as the Meru Tunnel when travelling from north to south, while others call it the Menora Tunnel when journeying from south to north.

However, both sections are commonly referred to as the Menora Tunnel, symbolizing their collective significance and purpose.

Accident Prone Tunnel

Since its opening the Menora Tunnel has gained a notorious reputation as an accident-prone area. According to data from the Ministry of Transportation in 2018, the Menora Tunnel recorded a total of 564 road accidents, out of which 7 accidents resulted in 11 fatalities. In 2022, a tragic incident occurred in the tunnel involving five students from Sultan Azlan Shah University (USAS), all of whom unfortunately lost their lives.

The accidents in Menora Tunnel occur primarily due to several contributing factors. Firstly, the narrow width of the tunnel poses a challenge for vehicles to safely pass each other, as it measures just 8 meters wide.

Additionally, the tunnel’s steep gradient compounds the risk. With a gradient of 6%, it stands as the steepest slope along the North-South Expressway. This challenging incline can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, particularly during inclement weather conditions.

Moreover, the Menora Tunnel suffers from poor visibility, further exacerbating the likelihood of accidents. The presence of concrete walls lining the tunnel obstructs natural light, creating a dimly lit environment. This limited visibility significantly hampers drivers’ ability to perceive other vehicles and potential obstacles within the tunnel.

The convergence of these factors contributes to the alarming frequency of accidents and fatalities within the Menora Tunnel. It is crucial to address these safety concerns to ensure the well-being of motorists travelling through this treacherous passage.

Future of the Menora Tunnel and alternative routes

Recognizing the pressing need to address safety concerns, the Perak government has devised a comprehensive plan for the Menora Tunnel. A key aspect of this plan involves the development of an alternative route known as the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE). By connecting Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar, the WISE will offer drivers an alternative path, bypassing the Menora Tunnel.

The construction of the WISE is currently underway, with an expected completion date set for 2025. Once operational, this new route will not only alleviate traffic congestion within the Menora Tunnel but also provide a safer option for motorists travelling between Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar. However, it is important to note that the Menora Tunnel will still remain in use for those who prefer the traditional route.

In tandem with the WISE project, the Perak government has implemented several safety measures within the Menora Tunnel. These include the installation of improved safety barriers, upgraded lighting systems to enhance visibility, and augmented police patrols to enforce traffic regulations and swiftly respond to any incidents.

While these combined efforts have yielded positive results in reducing the number of accidents, it is paramount for motorists to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic rules when traversing the Menora Tunnel.

By embarking on the construction of a new highway and implementing targeted safety measures, the aim is to reduce the occurrence of accidents within the Menora Tunnel significantly.