SMART Tunnel, Dual-purpose tunnel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The SMART Tunnel is an underground road in Kuala Lumpur that serves two purposes at once: moving vehicles and managing rainwater. The structure runs beneath the city using separate levels for different functions.
The project started in November 2003 and was completed four years later, creating a modern solution for the city's growing traffic and flooding problems. This system was designed to reshape the infrastructure of Kuala Lumpur.
The tunnel represents Malaysian engineering advancement, earning recognition through the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in 2011 for its innovative urban solutions.
The roadway uses two stacked levels where cars and buses travel daily, while the lower level automatically switches to drainage function during heavy rain. Visitors should know the tunnel can be partially closed to traffic when rainfall is expected.
The facility can store up to 3 million cubic meters of water during heavy rainfall, making it a giant underground reservoir for the city. This hidden reserve beneath the ground works completely out of sight for people above who simply see normal traffic.
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