The Ayer Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass has reached 93% completion, with the remaining works targeted for completion by April 2027.

Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the project team recently held its 60th monthly progress meeting, which he has been attending since he was elected in August 2023.

At the Farlim end, the deck slab has been completed, while work is ongoing on the parapet and reinforced earth (RE) wall near Lintang Angsana.

Road widening works along Lintang Angsana have also started to facilitate construction of the RE wall and are expected to continue throughout October. The works are expected to affect Rapid Penang bus services in the area, as the road will have limited space for buses to turn. Rapid Penang is expected to announce any temporary route changes or alternative arrangements separately.

Two outstanding issues still require coordination with external agencies. These involve approval from the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) for the proposed left-in, left-out (LILO) arrangement, and the relocation of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) pipes near the Farlim viaduct.

Meanwhile, the Penang government has agreed to auction a 2.42-hectare plot of state land to help Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC) raise funds to complete the remaining works.

Wong said the land had been identified previously, but instead of CZC selling it directly to another party, the state will now facilitate an open auction. He said the arrangement is part of the project’s financing structure and is intended to address CZC’s cash-flow requirements without imposing a toll on the bypass.