THE Penang government is reviewing the feasibility of the proposed Penang Third Link, with a realignment study and an alternative bridge design being considered in place of the previously proposed undersea tunnel.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state government had approved a realignment study based on a bridge design concept following the findings of the feasibility study.
He said the proposed realignment took into account the planned expansion of Penang Port, as well as the need to ease traffic congestion around Gurney Bay and its surrounding areas.
“The proposed realignment involves shifting the route northwards to ensure compatibility with the expansion plans for Penang Port, while avoiding disruption to port operations and vessel navigation routes.
“At present, a conceptual design study is underway. Its findings will be presented to the Penang Port Commission (PPC) for feedback and further consideration.
“This assessment aims to ensure that any decision on the project’s implementation takes into account technical feasibility, financial implications, public mobility needs, maritime safety and navigation, as well as the long-term benefits to the state’s socioeconomic development,” he said.
Zairil (PH–Tanjong Bunga) was responding to an oral question from Teh Lai Heng (PH–Komtar) at the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Responding to a supplementary question from Lee Khai Loon (PH–Machang Bubuk) on whether the proposed Penang Third Link would serve the same purpose as the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) bridge connecting Penang Island to Penang Sentral on the mainland, Zairil clarified that the two projects served different functions.
He explained that while the LRT alignment would include a bridge connecting the island and the mainland, it would be exclusively for rail services and would not accommodate motor vehicles.
Zairil added that the state government had also requested that the proposed Penang Third Link bridge incorporate pedestrian walkways and dedicated cycling lanes.
“This will be taken into consideration in the design when the contract is awarded, which we hope will happen in the coming months,” he said.
He stressed that the LRT rail bridge alone would not resolve the heavy traffic congestion on Penang’s existing First Bridge.
“In other words, the rail bridge will still not address the significant traffic congestion on Penang’s First Bridge,” he said.
Zairil explained that a separate road link remained necessary to accommodate the growing traffic demand, particularly in North Seberang Perai.
“From the perspective of feasibility and traffic demand, there is still a need for another bridge, particularly in North Seberang Perai, to cater to the rapid growth in traffic,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal