penang traffic

Penangites can look forward to three new highways, with construction work starting in the first quarter of next year, The Star reports. The job, worth RM2.8 billion, will be done by Consortium Zenith BUCG (CZBUCG), and is scheduled for completion in 2020/2021.

"The feasibility study for the highways has been done and submitted, while the preliminary environmental impact assessment for the highways will be submitted in September 2015. The detailed environmental impact assessment for the RM3.5 billion undersea tunnel will be ready for submission next year," said CZBUCG chairman Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli.

According to the report, the three highways are part of a RM6.3 billion mega project comprising the three highways plus a 6.5 km undersea tunnel connecting Tanjung Tokong and Bagan Ajam on the mainland. The projects are the Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang road, Air Itam and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, and a bypass joining Gurney Drive and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

The three new highways and undersea tunnel aim to reduce congestion in Penang. Another idea is the tram. Recently, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) made known its intention to introduce a tram service on the island.