STATE Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai today announced that a full road closure from all directions will be implemented at the Jalan Thean Teik-Jalan Angsana junction.
Wong said the closure is scheduled to facilitate beam launching works, a critical part of the ongoing Air Itam-Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass project.
“The road closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users, as beams up to 37 metres long will be installed using 600-tonne and 300-tonne cranes positioned at the centre of the junction.
“The beam launching works will take place at three spans: P11-P12, P12-P13, and P13-P14 and will require road closures in phases at the Jalan Thean Teik-Jalan Angsana intersection,” Wong said during a press conference at Komtar today.
Below is the schedule for the road closure:-
a) Phase 1: Dec 18-19 (Thursday-Friday) from 10pm to 6am at P11-12 and Dec 20 (Saturday) from 11pm to 7am (buffer day).
b) Phase 2: Dec 22-23 (Monday-Tuesday) from 10pm to 6am at P12-P13.
c) Phase 3: Jan 5-7 (Monday-Wednesday) from 10pm to 6am at P13-P14, followed by Jan 8 (Thursday) from 10pm to 6am at P12-P13.
Wong also advised motorists to follow the designated detours during the road closures. Below are the alternative routes:-
From Batu Lanchang/All Seasons Place to Paya Terubong:
Motorists will be diverted via Farlim Market, Lengkok Angsana, Jalan Angsana, and Lintang Angsana to rejoin Thean Teik Highway toward Paya Terubong.
From Paya Terubong to Batu Lanchang:
Motorists will be diverted via Jalan Zoo, Jalan Kampung Pisang, and Jalan Thean Teik, making a U-turn at Lintang Thean Teik to rejoin Thean Teik Highway toward Batu Lanchang.
Heavy vehicles are not allowed through the Farlim Business Centre during the closure. Drivers are advised to use Jalan Thean Teik, Jalan Kampung Pisang, or Jalan Paya Terubong to reach Batu Lanchang or Paya Terubong.
Alternative routes around Farlim for light vehicles:
From Farlim Business Centre toward Batu Lanchang/All Seasons Place/Jalan Thean Teik:
Vehicles should turn after Klinik Kesihatan Angsana, pass through Lengkok Angsana, and exit near Farlim Market to rejoin All Seasons Place, Batu Lanchang, or Lintang Thean Teik.
From Jalan Thean Teik to Farlim Business Centre:
Vehicles should use Lintang Thean Teik, Thean Teik Highway, make a U-turn at the traffic lights at the Thean Teik–Lorong Batu Lanchang intersection, then proceed via Lengkok Angsana to reach Farlim Business Centre.
From Paya Terubong to Farlim Business Centre:
Vehicles should use Jalan Zoo, Jalan Kampung Pisang, Lintang Thean Teik, Thean Teik Highway, make a U-turn at the traffic lights at the Thean Teik–Lorong Batu Lanchang intersection, and proceed via Lengkok Angsana to reach Farlim Business Centre.
Maps showing the alternative route :-
Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) project director Sarimah Ahmad emphasised that safety remains the top priority, noting that the works involve heavy machinery and require a safety radius around the site.
“We have to close the road earlier, before midnight, due to the use of heavy machinery, as the work will proceed at a slow, careful pace.
“Dec 20 has been designated as a buffer day in case the works scheduled for Dec 18 are delayed. Weather conditions are also a factor, and we hope everything proceeds smoothly,” she said.
Wong added that as of Dec 15, 208 out of 232 beams in Section 1 had been successfully launched, achieving 89% completion for this section.
“With the installation of 18 additional beams at this four-way traffic light intersection by the end of this year and early next year, the total number of beams launched will reach 226, marking 97% completion for Section 1.
“The final six beams, located at P22- P23 in front of Farlim Market, are scheduled for completion before Chinese New Year. Overall, the development progress for the entire bypass project as of Nov 30 stands at 88.65%.
Wong, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman, said that discussions with Rapid Penang have taken place regarding the timing of public transport services during the road closures. Updates for the affected routes will be posted on Rapid Penang’s Facebook page.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter