GEORGE TOWN: Several roads will be closed and traffic will be diverted in stages from Saturday (Jan 3) evening until early Sunday (Jan 4) morning to make way for the Penang 2nd Bridge Royal Malaysia Police Solidarity Fun Ride 2026.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Azizee Ismail said 2,600 participants will take part in the cycling event, which starts at the Queensbay shopping mall, crosses the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, and loops back to the mall.
"The bridge will be fully closed from 8.30pm Saturday until 3am on Sunday, while road closures and diversions will begin in stages from 6pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.
"The first phase involves Queen 1 roundabout, Queensbay/Harapan roundabout and the slip road to Queensbay from the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (towards the Bayan Baru and George Town roundabouts).
"The second phase, starting at 8pm, involves all intersections along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway heading to the bridge's entry ramp, intersections along the expressway from the bridge's exit ramp towards the Kampung Jawa traffic light intersection, and the Batu Maung roundabout heading towards the city centre,” he said in a statement on Friday.
He added that the third phase, beginning at 8.30pm, will involve all exit ramps to the bridge in both directions.
Comm Azizee said members of the public in the Southwest district may use alternative routes involving all entry ramps to the bridge from George Town and Batu Maung heading towards Batu Kawan.
He said those travelling from Penang Island to Seberang Perai and vice versa are advised to use the first Penang Bridge as an alternative route, while road users from the North-South Expressway may use the Tambun toll, Jawi toll or proceed directly to the first bridge.
"For road users from the north and south heading to Bandar Cassia, they are recommended to proceed via Bukit Tambun, while vehicles from the mainland heading to Bayan Lepas or Bayan Baru should use the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to the Bayan Baru roundabout,” he said.
The public is advised to plan their journeys and use alternative routes, as some traffic congestion is expected during the closures in conjunction with the event. Road users are also reminded to comply with instructions from traffic personnel at the road closure and diversion points. — Bernama
