GEORGE TOWN – The first phase of the Bukit Kukus highway – dubbed the highest elevated expressway in Malaysia at the height of 61.5m – opens to the public today, six years after the plan was first mooted.
Construction of the RM378.2 million project, which was fully funded from the reserves of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), began on January 14, 2016, and was completed on December 24, 2021.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, during the opening ceremony today, described the project as the costliest endeavour taken up by the council, given the total cost encompassing land acquisition, construction and consultation.
“We are one of the local authorities that worked closely with the state and federal governments to provide this infrastructure to the people of Penang.
This is to reduce traffic congestion, especially for those in Paya Terubong.
“The 852m Tun Sardon Link will also benefit those who are travelling from Balik Pulau.
“The cycling lane enables fellow cyclists to enjoy their frequent rides to Balik Pulau,” he said.
Yew hopes that motorists will use it safely as well as care for its infrastructure.
According to MBPP secretary Rajendran P. Anthony, the road was designed according to Malaysian standards, with a set speed limit and taking into account safety aspects involving corners, radius, walkways and drainage in its development.
“It is also built according to design standards for slope litigation.
“The main consultant was also appointed by the Public Works Department to design 300 over slopes in Malaysia.
“The consultant is responsible for checking safety protocols and providing further recommendations on the design,” he said.
A geologist was also appointed to specifically study the slopes and come out with recommendations to increase safety on the bridge, Anthony added.
“After that, we had an independent consultant separately hired by MBPP to check on the design by the main consultant.
“They are an esteemed geotechnical design consultant in Malaysia and are accredited checkers for geotechnical design.
These are the measures that we have taken to ensure the slope is fine. We also carry out the regular checks and maintenance of the slopes to ensure it is safe.”
Anthony also said that the lifespan of the structural design and concrete stands at 99 years.
The road overlay is expected to be done every decade, and the design of the structure and foundation will have to be inspected every 20 years.
MBPP will be responsible for its upkeep for the next two years, he said, adding that further plans on who will be maintaining it will be discussed later.
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the opening of the paired road, extended his appreciation to Penang residents for their patience in waiting for this project to complete.
“This road construction project is one that reflects the state government’s concern for the infrastructural needs of the people, especially motorists who commute using Jalan Paya Terubong and have to face serious traffic congestion every day,” he said.
The completion date for the remaining phases of the paired road under Geo Valley Sdn Bhd and PLB Land Sdn Bhd is projected to be sometime in 2025. – The Vibes, January 13, 2022
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