Are the RM8 billion Highways the Solution to Penang’s Traffic/Congestion Problem?
Khoo Kay Peng
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced a four-part major road proposal last night, his supporters heaved a big sigh of relief.
He said the state executive council has decided to award a company the tender to construct four major traffic roads in Penang.
He did not name the company but it is known that the massive undertaking, costing a whopping RM8 billion will begin in 2015.
“If we had control, we would want the best. But in this case, even if we had our own money, we cannot do it. What do we do then? We have proposed four major road projects for the most congested roads,” he said.
The four proposed projects involves the 4.2km Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway, 4.6km Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu-Bandar Baru Air Itam bypass (four-lanes), 6.5km Penang-Butterworth Tunnel and a 12km road connecting Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang (four lanes).
“Since the federal government does not want to give us public transport, we will built alternative roads.
“If we had control, we would want the best. But in this case, even if we had our own money, we cannot do it. What do we do then? We have proposed four major road projects for the most congested roads,” he said.
The four proposed projects involves the 4.2km Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway, 4.6km Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu-Bandar Baru Air Itam bypass (four-lanes), 6.5km Penang-Butterworth Tunnel and a 12km road connecting Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang (four lanes).
On the island’s on-going traffic woes, Lim lamented that Penang has no control over public transport as it comes under the federal administration.
There are several issues that must be addressed before the Penang State Government embarks on the projects:
