GEORGE TOWN: The state government has announced plans to implement two new road projects costing some RM4bil to reduce traffic congestion on Penang island by up to 40%.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the first project was a 4.2km inner ring road connecting Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (formerly Jelutong Expressway) using a combination of semi-tunnel and elevated road.

“The other is a 4.6km-long tunnel road linking Paya Terubong and Bandar Baru Air Itam to the expressway,” he said.

Lim said the state was inviting a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the two projects, adding that major contractors were encouraged to submit their designs through the RFP process.

“The projects, which will be awarded via open tender, do not have a commencement date but the state wants the project to be implemented quickly,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Lim said the state had come up with the projects because roads here were getting more congested due to rapid development.

“I hope the Federal Government and the private sector will support the projects. It may be costly but they are crucial in managing traffic congestion on the island.

“The projects, which came about after a series of studies over two years, will be incorporated into the Penang Transport Master Plan,” he added.

Penang Municipal Council senior traffic engineer A. Rajendran said the two new roads could alleviate congestion by up to 40% along the local road network.

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