RM220mil road upgrading project in the works

THE concessionary operator of the second Penang bridge — Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) — will embark on a RM220mil road upgrading project, which mostly involves expanding a 4.9km stretch along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Bayan Lepas Coastal Highway).

State Public Works, Utilities and Transport Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the project’s preliminary work was scheduled to start tomorrow.

“The starting point is from the junction of Jalan Batu Maung (near Southbay, Batu Maung) to the Queensbay Mall. The upgrading project will see an expansion from the current four to six lanes,” he told a press conference in Komtar yesterday.

He added that the Works Ministry had approved the allocation and the project would be known as the FT3113.

“It is proposed that there will be flyovers at three traffic light junctions — Hilir Sungai Keluang, Lebuhraya Kampung Jawa and Jalan Kampung Jawa.

“The flyovers will connect straight to the Free Trade Zone. One lane will be available for road users who wish to make a U-turn,” said Lim.

“The project will take 24 months to complete and the project cost might go up to RM350mil due to the possibility of additional repairs,” he said.

It will also include a promenade, a bicycle lane, a sidewalk, a disabled-friendly facility, a pedestrian bridge, a bus stop and a roundabout at the Jalan Batu Maung junction.

The project will be based on the greenery concept with emphasis on ensuring much greenery is retained.

It will also involve minimal land reclamation, he said.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the project was part of the traffic dispersal scheme for the second Penang bridge.

“The challenging part will be relocating the electrical cables and ensuring that there is no disruption to the factories operating there,” he said.

Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, who was also present, said JKSB had briefed the state on the project and he was told that the earthworks would commence in September after the second bridge is almost completed.

“We will ensure minimum in- convenience to the road users,” he said.

JKSB had appointed UEM Builders as the project contractor while the consultants are Jurutek Consultants and SZY Consultant Sdn Bhd.

Minconsult Sdn Bhd was appointed as an independent consultant. The Star