A full road closure from all directions will be implemented at the Jalan Thean Teik-Jalan Angsana junction in phases to facilitate critical beam launching works for the ongoing Air Itam-Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass project.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the temporary closure is necessary to ensure public safety, as beams measuring up to 37 metres long will be installed using 600-tonne and 300-tonne cranes positioned at the centre of the junction. The works involve three spans: P11-P12, P12-P13 and P13-P14 will be carried out in stages.
According to Wong, Phase 1 will take place on Dec 18 and 19 from 10pm to 6am at P11-P12, with Dec 20 designated as a buffer day from 11pm to 7am. Phase 2 is scheduled for Dec 22 and 23 from 10pm to 6am at P12-P13. Phase 3 will run from Jan 5 to 7 from 10pm to 6am at P13-P14, followed by works at P12-P13 on Jan 8 during the same hours.
Motorists are advised to follow designated detours during the closures. Vehicles travelling from Batu Lanchang or All Seasons Place toward Paya Terubong will be diverted via Farlim Market, Lengkok Angsana, Jalan Angsana and Lintang Angsana. Those heading from Paya Terubong to Batu Lanchang will be rerouted through Jalan Zoo, Jalan Kampung Pisang and Jalan Thean Teik, with a U-turn at Lintang Thean Teik.
Heavy vehicles will not be allowed through the Farlim Business Centre during the closure period and are advised to use Jalan Thean Teik, Jalan Kampung Pisang or Jalan Paya Terubong instead. Several alternative routes have also been arranged for light vehicles around Farlim to minimise disruption.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) project director Sarimah Ahmad said safety remains the top priority due to the use of heavy machinery and the need for a safety radius around the site. She added that Dec 20 has been set as a buffer day to account for potential delays caused by weather or technical issues.
Wong noted that as of Dec 15, 208 out of 232 beams in Section 1 have been successfully launched, achieving 89% completion. With another 18 beams to be installed at the junction by early next year, completion for Section 1 is expected to reach 97%, with the final six beams scheduled before Chinese New Year. Overall progress for the entire bypass project stood at 88.65% as of Nov 30.
Wong, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman, added that discussions have been held with Rapid Penang, and updates on affected bus routes will be shared on the operator’s Facebook page.
Road Closure Schedule (Jalan Thean Teik-Jalan Angsana Junction)
- Dec 18-19 (Thursday-Friday): 10.00pm – 6.00am
- Dec 20 (Saturday): 11.00pm – 7.00am
- Dec 22-23 (Monday-Tuesday): 10.00pm – 6.00am
- Jan 5-8 (Monday-Thursday): 10.00pm – 6.00am
