Bracing for necessary traffic disruptions

BEING the focal point of multiple major infrastructure projects, Penang is poised for unprecedented traffic disruptions.

Some of these projects, like the RM851mil Package Two bypass connecting Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, and the Silicon Island reclamation project off Penang island’s southern coast, are already under construction.

Physical works for three other projects – the RM1.5bil Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion, the Federal Government-funded Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the RM245mil Penang Hill cable car project – are expected to start this year.

Along with the promise of progress comes the inevitable challenge of navigating through a maze of road closures, detours, and construction zones.

In short, Penang is bracing for a period of intense congestion and traffic gridlock, especially in the Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru areas along with places where the proposed LRT stations will be built.

Over the years, the Penang government has often found itself facing criticism from non-governmental organisations and politicians over its policies in solving the state’s traffic woes.

Take the LRT project for instance. Just last week, activists claimed the RM10.5bil project was poorly conceived and could lead to financial burdens on the state and the public for decades.

Former international banker Lim Mah Hui and former transport engineer Lim Thean Heng were at the forefront of a press conference questioning the LRT’s annual projection of 42 million in ridership and proposed alternatives such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) systems.

After-work traffic congestion along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in early May. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

But there are others who view the LRT project as a progressive step towards creating a more efficient, equitable and environmentally-friendly transportation network.

I still remember interviewing one Phaisarin Tang in 2018, who voiced her support for the LRT project.

Tang, who resided in Macallum Street Ghaut in George Town then, recounted spending 40 minutes on a bus just to reach Komtar from her home, a distance of less than 1km.

Initially, this seemed unbelievable, but having experienced traffic congestion in the area first hand, I realised her account was plausible.

In so many of Penang’s narrow and winding streets – some initially carved out as corridors for bullock carts – one accident, one car breaking down or a road closed, could trigger gridlock across a wide area.

The traffic situation, particularly on Penang island, can be severe, especially during school and public holidays.

It is common to see local drivers “battling” with cars bearing out-of-town number plates through narrow roads.

One of my friends, who works at a multinational company in Bayan Lepas, reminded me of one of the worst jams in the state which occurred in 2015.

Thousands who worked in Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru were late by up to three hours then.

Some 100 people reportedly missed their flights, no thanks to the closure of the coastal section of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway for the installation of a flyover ramp linking it to the second Penang bridge.

The jam had a spillover effect in surrounding areas such as Batu Maung, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong and Paya Terubong.

This friend said any mass transport system built at ground level would be impractical and potentially disastrous.

Imagine seeing motorists sharing the road space with ART, BRT or even trams.

Road widening would be inevitable if one of these modes of transport was adopted, and lest we forget, these come with the high cost of utilities relocation and property acquisition.

An above ground LRT system would provide commuters with a faster and more efficient travel option that bypasses congestion on the roads.

And since the proposed LRT line is now extended to Penang Sentral on the mainland from Silicon Island, those from the mainland working on the island or intending to fly out from PIA can rejoice.

They will no longer have to contend with the frustration and inconvenience of traffic jams on Penang Bridge.

It is high time for major infrastructure upgrades in the state.

The onus is now on the authorities and stakeholders to ensure that these projects are done with the utmost transparency, accountability and consideration for the well-being of the community.