BALIK PULAU – The much-awaited first phase of the Bukit Kukus highway is set to open to motorists on January 13, following a nine-month delay.
The first major highway to be completed under the DAP-led state government since 2008 is supposed to reduce traffic congestion in the area by up to 30%.
Completed this week, the highway marks a major achievement for the state, as it suffered numerous delays following a major landslide in 2018 which claimed nine lives, Covid-19 lockdowns as well as technical issues.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow visited the site today along with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) president Datuk Yew Tung Seang, state exco for infrastructure Zairil Khir Johari and MBPP secretary A. Rajendran.
The council is the developer of the first phase of the highway.
The completed section of the Bukit Kukus paired road, which links Paya Terubong to Bukit Jambul (one of the hilly areas in the Balik Pulau district), is now ready to accept traffic by next week.
Zairil said MBPP had already completed its portion of the construction work recently.
“It has been delayed a few times due to the landslide, the Covid-19 lockdown and some technical issues involving additional work, but it is now ready.”
Constructed at a height of 55m from its pile caps, Zairil said that the stretch is the highest elevated highway in the country, and it also represents the state’s legacy for residents here in its goal to alleviate congestion.
The highway is designed to divert the converging traffic from Balik Pulau and Paya Terubong to Bukit Jambul, which is crucial especially during rush hour.
The 5.5km paired road project, which costs RM545.6 million, consists of three sections.
It primarily connects Paya Terubong and Relau through Bukit Jambul.
The state, through MBPP, is responsible for the construction of a 3.3-km stretch, which has since been completed from Paya Terubong to Relau and Bukit Jambul.
The other two stretches under PLB Land Sdn Bhd and Geo Valley Sdn Bhd are for the remaining 1.4km (RM150 million) and 0.8km (RM120 million), respectively.
PLB’s stretch should be ready by 2025 whereas the Geo Valley one is on hold due to a court case which is believed to be linked to the landslide incident. – The Vibes, January 5, 2022
