GEORGE TOWN: Several main roads leading to the Esplanade will be closed in stages from Aug 29 to 31 for the state-level 65th National Day celebrations.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong said the rehearsal will take place on Monday (Aug 29) before the official celebration on Wednesday (Aug 31).
He said on Monday, several main roads will be closed in stages from midnight to 2pm.
"The roads include Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah which will be closed completely from the entrance intersection in front of Dewan Sri Pinang from 12.01am to 2pm.
"As for Lebuh Light, it will be closed in stages until 2pm.
"From midnight to 9am, there will be a road closure in front of Dewan Seri Pinang.
"Vehicles will be diverted to the right through Jalan Masjid Kapitan keling.
"From 9am to 2pm, there will be a closure starting from Lebuh Farquhar (in front of Bayview Hotel).
"Public vehicles will be diverted to the right via Lebuh Leith.
"The exit junction from Lebuh King to Lebuh Light and the entrance junction from Lebuh Light to Lebuh Penang will also be closed until 2pm for all types of vehicles," he told a press conference at the North-East district police station on Sunday (Aug 28).
ACP Soffian added that Jalan Pengkalan Weld will be completely closed starting after the Gat Lebuh Chulia intersection to Lebuh, from midnight to 2pm.
"Vehicles coming from the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway will be diverted to the left via Gat Lebuh Chulia.
"The exit junction from Gat Lebuh China and Gat Lebuh Gereja to Weld Quay will also be closed for all types of vehicles.
"Lebuh Pantai will be completely closed in front of HSBC Bank until 2pm.
"Vehicles will be diverted to the left via Lebuh Union," he said, adding that all roads will be opened at 2pm or when the rehearsal is completed.
On Wednesday (Aug 30), road closures will only be made on the way into Penang City Hall at Esplanade, whether by Jalan Tun Syed She Barakbah or through Lebuh Light.
As for the actual day on Wednesday (Aug 31), ACP Soffian said Lebuh Farquhar and Lebuh Light will be completely closed starting from the front of Bayview Hotel from midnight to 2pm.
"Public transport will be diverted to the right via Leith Lane.
"The exit junction from Lebuh King to Lebuh Light and the intersection entering from Lebuh Light to Lebuh Penang will also be closed until 2pm for all vehicles.
"Jalan Pengkalan Weld will be completely closed starting after Gat Lebuh Chulia intersection up to Lebuh Downing from midnight until 2pm.
"Public vehicles coming from the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway direction will be diverted to the left via the Gat Lebuh Chulia.
"The exit junction from Gat Lebuh China and Gat Lebuh Gereja to Weld Quay will also be closed for all types of vehicles," he said.
He added that Lebuh Pantai would be completely closed in front of HSBC Bank until 2pm and vehicles would be diverted to the left via Lebuh Union.
Meanwhile, ACP Soffian said the ferry services at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) would operate as usual.
"Those coming from the mainland for the celebration are encouraged to use the ferry service to avoid being stuck in a traffic jam.
"However, the Rapid Bus Service from SPCT to the Rapid bus station at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) is not available on Aug 29 and 31 to make way for the rehearsal as well as the celebration.
"On Aug 31, Rapid Penang will provide free bus services from Komtar bus terminal to PRTU bus terminal for those attending the celebration.
"There will be visitor parking on Lebuh Union (244 bays) and at Lebuh Pantai (201 bays)," he said, adding that entrance to the closed roads would only be allowed to vehicles with special stickers as well as those who get permission from the enforcement authorities on duty.
ACP Soffian said more than 115 personnel will be on duty on Aug 29 including 60 police, and a total of 276 personnel will be on duty on Aug 31 including 170 police.
"I urge the public to plan their journeys wisely to avoid being stuck in a traffic jam.
"We are expecting at least 5,000 people to attend the celebration on Aug 31," he said
