THE Mount Erskine underpass project in Penang will be redesigned to minimise its impact on surface traffic during construction, with the redesign expected to be completed by December 2026.
The Federal Government approved a budget of RM33 million for the project in June this year.
Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) would call for an open tender in February next year after completing the redesign by the end of this year.
“After the open tender process, the project is expected to be handed over to the contractor in July next year,” he said.
Lee also noted that traffic along Mount Erskine Road has become increasingly difficult to manage due to the growing volume of vehicles.
He said the council is revising the plan to ensure that the road will remain open to traffic during construction.
“Under the revised plan, Mount Erskine Road will remain open to traffic as usual during construction, with the work carried out underground.
“However, the original project cost of RM33 million can change due to design revisions and factors such as fluctuations in construction material costs,” Lee said.
Lee added that once completed, the underpass is expected to divert approximately half of the traffic during peak hours, helping to ease the long-standing congestion in the area.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud