The two tunnels are part of the 5.7km Package Two Bypass linking Ayer Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway.
WORK on two tunnels, which are part of the 5.7km Package Two Bypass linking Ayer Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang, has started, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Both measuring about 400m-long, the tunnels are located in Bukit Gambir and adjacent to Jalan Gangsa (next to the Kingfisher series condominium).
“Initially, three tunnels were to be built but we reduced it to two following a revision.
“The initial tunnel will now be an open cut between these two tunnels that are located about 600m from each other.
“To date, all state government-owned lands have been acquired for the RM851.04mil project, with only two private lots remaining in the acquisition process,” he said after visiting the tunnel site in Bukit Gambir.
Present were state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Package Two Bypass project director Nasfiza Mokhtar, Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, Penang Economic Planning Division transport chief Datuk Lim Hock Seng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) managing director Tan Sri Dr Khor Eng Chuen and CZC director Puan Sri Ginney Chew.
Nasfiza, in her briefing, said the project completion deadline would remain Jan 31, 2025, despite being 2% behind schedule, adding that the completion rate presently stood at 35.14%.
“The majority of land acquisition issues have been effectively resolved, and we are anticipating a prompt resolution of the remaining ones.
“Likewise, the challenges associated with utilities have also been addressed,” said Nasfiza.
The project contractor is CZC and the implementing agency is PIC.
CZC project director Razif Ahmad Zuber Ahmad Khan, in his speech, recalled the initial meeting between Chow and CZC representatives on Jan 7, 2022.
“At that time, the project’s progress stood at a modest 8% and construction activities were limited to Section 1 due to unresolved land acquisition issues in other sections.
“However, just over a year since the meeting, CZC proudly announced that the project’s overall progress had surged to an impressive 33% as of May this year,” he said.
Chow earlier in his speech admitted to having opposed the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) plan, specifically the inclusion of toll charges for utilising the expressway.
“I am pleased to announce that the Penang government has successfully executed the second phase of this project (referred to as Package Two) without imposing any tolls on the motorists.
“The state government has been unwavering in its commitment to prioritise the provision of top-notch facilities and infrastructure to Penangites.
“Despite the lengthy process that began in 2013 with research, design, and feasibility studies, the dedication to improving the state’s infrastructure remains steadfast,” he said.
Chow said efforts to explore alternative solutions and ensure the construction of the best possible infrastructure would continue in stages.
“Collaboration between the state government and the Federal Government has led to the planning of several mega infrastructure projects such as the Gurney Bay Project and the recently announced light rail transit line serving between Penang International Airport and Tanjung Bungah.
“These initiatives aim to position Penang as a model state and elevate Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that records from the Public Works Department showed Penang had witnessed a significant increase in the number of vehicles and tourist arrivals.
“The population of Penang currently stands at 1.58 million people, with 1.75 million vehicles recorded in 2009.
“The annual increase in vehicle registration in Penang, at 9.50%, is among the highest in the country.
“Furthermore, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the state experienced a surge in tourism, welcoming 629,476 tourists in 2022 compared to 7,367 tourists in 2021.
“This underscores the urgent need for efficient traffic distribution in the state,” he said.
The toll-free Package Two bypass will stretch 1.8km at ground level, with other parts elevated. There are viaduct structures (65%), tunnels (20%) and grade sections (15%) on this road.
Upon completion, the bypass is expected to reduce travel time and bring long-term benefits to Penang residents, especially the 300,000 living in Ayer Itam, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam and the adjoining Paya Terubong.
