GEORGE TOWN: Penang is evaluating a bridge as an alternative to the long-proposed undersea tunnel for the Penang Third Link, featuring a revised northern route designed to accommodate Penang Port's expansion while easing traffic congestion around Gurney Bay.
Penang Infrastructure and Transport Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari informed the state assembly on Monday (Nov 2) that the state approved the bridge concept realignment study following feasibility findings.
The conceptual design is currently undergoing technical review before submission to the Penang Port Commission.
In written replies to Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN – Bertam) and Teh Lai Heng (PH – Komtar), Zairil outlined progress on the Penang Transport Master Plan packages.
The Package Two Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass reached 93.19% physical completion as of late September, with final completion expected in April 2027 following safety audits.
The completion target was extended from January 2025 due to site handover delays and pending highway design approvals.
Financially, a single variation order of RM930,105 for Indah Water Konsortium sewer pipe relocations brought the project's contract value to RM851.97mil, with certified claims reaching RM695.98mil as of August 2026.
Under the project's land-swap financing arrangement with Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, 4.7 hectares of state land valued at RM427.66mil have been transferred so far, leaving RM231.34mil in outstanding work value.
Meanwhile, Package One, the North Coastal Paired Road between Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang, remains under technical review and environmental impact assessment to address alignment suitability, local population density, and soil erosion risks.
