GEORGE TOWN – The state government has moved ahead with its ambitious Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) despite a project delivery partner, Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, being shrouded in uncertainty due to a boardroom shake-up.
The state today proceeded to seal a sub-agreement for Package 2 of the Three Major Roads and Third Link (PMRT) supplementary agreement with the firm.
It is the first project started under PTMP.
According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the project is part of an initiative under PTMP to ease traffic congestion by dispersing flow in several areas, and towards the implementation of a public transport system.
Package 2’s initiative will connect the Thean Teik Highway in Ayer Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, located along the island’s east coast. It comprises a 4.2km elevated section and 1.8km at-grade section.
There will be three intersections. Interchange 1 is on the Thean Teik Highway, Interchange 2 in Jalan Bukit Gambir to Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and Interchange 3 on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, involving a left-in/left out and tiered U-turn.
“In 2011, the state government, through an open-tender request for proposal, appointed Consortium Zenith BUCG (now known as Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd) for the implementation of the main roads and seabed tunnel project (Third Link) in Penang,” said Chow.
“In 2018, the state government decided to implement the Package 2 project first. Package 2, namely Jalan Pintasan from the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to Ayer Itam with 6km, is the first project started under PTMP.
“The ground-breaking ceremony was held on November 2, 2019. The master agreement for the main roads and undersea tunnel project was signed on August 2, 2019, followed by the signing of the Package 2 sub-agreement on October 11, 2019.”
He said the inking of the supplemental agreement is an important milestone towards the implementation of the three main roads and undersea tunnel project.
“With the signing of the supplemental agreement (for) Package 2, Consortium Zenith will begin construction work on February 1, 2021. The implementation of a bypass construction is expected to be completed on January 3, 2025.
“It will benefit the people of Penang in terms of reducing travel time. I hope this initiative can provide long-term benefits to all the people of Penang.”
Package 2 is one of the four under PMRT.
Package 1 comprises a twin road from Tg Bungah to Teluk Bahang, Package 3 (shortcut road from the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to Gurney Promenade) and Package 4 (undersea tunnel). – The Vibes, January 15, 2021
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