GEORGE TOWN: Traffic management plans (TMPs) for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project are submitted and reviewed monthly to reflect the evolving nature of construction works, says Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
He said the project owner, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC), submits its TMP to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) every month, and that it is scrutinised by all relevant technical departments before approval.
“Because this is a dynamic project, the scope of work changes from time to time. Construction may be relocated, or the work schedule may be adjusted. That is why the TMP is updated every month,” he said after attending the Penang Green Council's Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP) Award Ceremony at Think City here on Tuesday (Feb 10).
He said any changes arising from the revised TMP would be communicated early through official channels, including MBPP’s platforms and social media.
“For public transport users, if there are any changes to bus routes, Rapid Penang will make the necessary announcements. These are not last-minute decisions; all adjustments are planned,” he said.
Addressing concerns about traffic disruptions during the upcoming festive period, Zairil said MRTC and the main contractor, SRS Consortium, have assured the state that road closures would be kept to a minimum.
“For the Chinese New Year period, there will be no major lane closures. If any works are carried out, they will be limited to night-time and will not involve peak hours,” he said.
He added that the authorities aim to avoid road closures altogether during festive seasons, although construction activities may continue at a reduced level.
“Whether work is fully stopped depends on the contractor, but typically during major festivities such as Chinese New Year, work may pause for one or two days,” he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had earlier directed contractors on the Mutiara Line LRT project to continuously implement traffic mitigation measures to prevent severe congestion at construction sites, particularly as works intensify across the island.
He said the directive was issued following a rapid increase in construction activities, including in areas near Penang International Airport (PIA), which are expected to have a greater impact on traffic flow due to the movement of heavy machinery.
Loke said the ministry has also instructed contractors to work closely with local authorities and the state government to minimise disruption to road users.
