Air Itam-Tun Dr LCE Expressway bypass progressing ahead of schedule

Image: Buletin Mutiara

The long-awaited Package Two bypass road, linking Bandar Baru Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, is progressing ahead of schedule, marking a significant step towards alleviating traffic congestion in Penang.

State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that the project had reached 73% completion as of February 28, demonstrating efficient coordination and execution. During a site visit to Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Gelugor, he led a delegation to oversee the installation of massive beams, a critical phase of the elevated road construction.

“We are installing some of the longest beams at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, each weighing 140 tonnes,” Zairil stated. Six beams will be installed at this section, with three supporting each side of the carriageway. Similar installations are planned for other key areas, including Jalan Bukit Gambir.

The RM851.04 million project, spearheaded by Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) under the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Once operational, the new road will drastically reduce travel time between Bandar Baru Air Itam and the expressway from 40 minutes to just 10 minutes.

Emphasizing safety, Zairil urged contractors to maintain stringent safety protocols despite the accelerated progress. “While we are ahead of schedule, I urge contractors to ensure safety remains the top priority,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the project’s current status.

Meanwhile, project director Asward Indra Firhad detailed the next construction phases, including netting and deck slab works to provide structural support and enhance road user safety.

Residents affected by the ongoing works are encouraged to stay informed about road closures and alternative routes through social media and news portals.

The Package Two project will feature three major interchanges: Interchange One at Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Interchange Two at Jalan Bukit Gambir-Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and Interchange Three at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, incorporating a left in-left out junction and an elevated U-turn.