The first phase of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway has reached 29.85% completion, with construction progressing slightly ahead of schedule as the project moves towards providing a direct connection between Penang island and Silicon Island.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project was 0.42% ahead of schedule as of the end of August.

The RM420 million first phase comprises a 1.5km road and marine bridge connecting the junction at Jalan Permatang Damar Laut directly to Silicon Island.

According to Zairil, the marine bridge is being constructed using a balanced cantilever beam structure. Construction of the substructure, including pile caps and columns, is currently progressing in both the marine and land sections in Permatang Damar Laut.

The project requires 260 T-beams for its superstructure, of which 25 had completed the casting process as of Aug 31.

Zairil said the highway would be opened to the public in stages, with the first section of the marine bridge targeted for completion and opening to traffic in December 2028. Full completion of the PIL2A project is scheduled for June 2029.

He said the steady progress reflected the commitment of the Penang state government, project developer and contractors, while stressing that site safety, operational controls and environmental management remained key priorities throughout construction.

The state government, through Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC), will continue to closely monitor the project to ensure construction proceeds smoothly and that any challenges are addressed promptly.

Upon completion, the first phase of PIL2A is expected to serve as a permanent access route to Silicon Island via Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, while supporting future development and sustainable urban growth on Penang island.

PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the project management team would maintain close oversight of contractor operations to ensure the works were carried out responsibly and transparently.

As the PIL2A alignment passes through residential areas, the project’s safety and health team has also maintained regular communication with nearby communities, particularly when traffic diversions or road closures are required.

Farizan said close cooperation with the local community had helped ensure that construction-related processes proceeded smoothly.

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