BALIK PULAU: After eight days of back-breaking work, traffic is moving again along Jalan Tun Sardon after road crews cleared the boulders, fallen trees and debris that blocked the route for more than a week.
The Penang Public Works Department (JKR) announced that the road was reopened to light vehicles from 9pm on Thursday (Oct 31).
Two stretches, at KM 0.50 and KM 5.15, however, remain partially closed as repair work continues, and men with red and green flags are stationed 24/7 to direct traffic.
The road was shut since Oct 23 after massive rocks crashed down from the hillside, cutting off the main link between Balik Pulau and Paya Terubong.
Motorists were forced onto lengthy detours through Relau and Bukit Jambul, causing days of gridlock in the southwest district.
Four days of continuous rain then created 23 landslides along the road, sending down boulders so large that workers had to use heavy machinery, including hydraulic hammers, to break them apart before removing them piece by piece.
Firefighters later washed down the road surface to remove fine grit and ensure it was safe for reopening.
Jalan Tun Sardon reopens to light vehicles after eight-day closure
