PENANG will begin earthworks next year for the northern coastal paired road which is considered essential due to the tourism growth in the state.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari said the new carriageway which will reduce travel time from 45 to seven minutes is an alternative to the present long winding road, which is the sole connectivity to Batu Ferringhi.
“We expect the works for the 10.61km coastal road from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang to be completed by 2031 at a cost of RM2.9 billion.
“Three new paired (highway) roads are being planned in Penang to ease worsening bottlenecks with the first one from Ait Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway on a fast-track completion rate.
“The other is the northern paired road, which will be followed by another paired highway from Gurney Drive to the same expressway - this is considered challenging as the road will need to be built amid the most congested areas of the island,” he said.
For decades, the single-carriageway route from George Town to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang has struggled with overwhelming traffic, particularly during peak hours, festive periods, and holiday weekends.
Accidents, heavy rain, or fallen debris frequently worsen the situation, leaving vehicles stranded in gridlock for hours and delaying emergency services.
To this, Zairil said that the northern paired road will consist of 8.41km of at-grade road and a 2.2km coastal viaduct, and since it will swing around the present route, travel time is reduced substantially from 45 minutes on average to just seven minutes.
It will stretch from Tanjung Bunga to Teluk Bahang, bypassing key choke points along the current road.
The route will cross the iconic floating mosque in Tanjung Bungah, extend over the sea near Shamrock, cut through Batu Ferringhi, and end up in Teluk Bahang.
Construction of the RM2.9 billion project, which includes RM500 million for land acquisition, is expected to begin in 2026 following final agreements between the state government and the project delivery partner - Consortium Zenith Construction.
“This is more than just a road project,” said Zairil in a statement.
“The road is a vital lifeline that will ease severe congestion, improve emergency response times, and enhance safety along Penang’s northern corridor.”
Beyond resolving traffic woes, the project is also expected to stimulate socio-economic development.
By strengthening connectivity, the project could open new opportunities for businesses and tourism in the northern coastal belt, further driving Penang’s economic growth.
“With this investment, we are ensuring Penang remains competitive and resilient,” said Zairil, who added that the new road will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike, supporting sustainable growth for decades to come. - September 9, 2025.
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