Image source: Kwong Wah Yit Poh
The construction of the long-awaited bypass road linking Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway has reached 91% completion, with major structural works continuing to progress on schedule.
According to Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, all bridge beams on the Bandar Baru Air Itam side have been successfully installed. Construction teams are now focusing on the bridge deck slabs and parapet works.
Sharing the latest updates following a project progress meeting with the construction team on June 30, Ng said the installation of bridge beams on the Gelugor side is also advancing steadily. Twelve bridge beams are expected to be lifted into place between July and August this year, while the remaining six beams are scheduled for installation in the third or fourth quarter of 2026.
He added that the contractor has reaffirmed the project remains on track and is expected to be completed as scheduled in April 2027.
Once construction is completed, the relevant government agencies will conduct a road safety audit before the Public Works Department (JKR) determines the official opening date for traffic.
The elevated road project is designed to provide a direct connection between the Air Itam and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, improving accessibility between Penang Island’s western and eastern corridors while easing congestion on several existing routes.
Meanwhile, the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) has announced that traffic flagmen previously stationed near the Farlim–Paya Terubong Market and along Thean Teik Highway have been withdrawn.
According to PIC, the flagmen were deployed to facilitate traffic management during the construction of the P21 and P22 portal structures, including the bridge beam lifting works in front of the Paya Terubong Market.
As the major daytime construction activities at these locations have now been completed, full-time manual traffic control is no longer required. Motorists are advised to follow the existing traffic light signals when passing through the area.
PIC also explained that removing the flagmen would help avoid confusion caused by simultaneous manual traffic control and automated traffic signal operations.
From observation by someone who pass by the road daily, it has almost stop works. Not possible to be completed by Apr 2027. It’s still has a lot of uncompleted works for this project.
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