THE first phase of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway has reached 29.85 per cent completion, marking steady progress on a key infrastructure project that will eventually provide a direct connection between Penang island and Silicon Island.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said construction works were 0.42 per cent ahead of schedule as of the end of August.
“The consistent momentum recorded during this first phase reflects the strong commitment of the state government, project developer and contractors involved.
“With a total contract value of RM420 million, the first phase involves the construction of a 1.5km road and marine bridge linking the junction at Jalan Permatang Damar Laut directly to Silicon Island.
“The marine bridge is designed using a ‘balanced cantilever beam’ structure,” he said in a statement today.
Zairil said this during a site visit to the PIL2A project in Permatang Damar Laut. Also present was Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus.
According to Zairil, the project will be opened to the public in stages, beginning with the first section of the marine bridge, which is expected to be completed and opened to traffic in December 2028.
This will be followed by the full completion of the PIL2A project, which is targeted for June 2029.
He said construction of the substructure, including pile caps and columns, was currently progressing actively in both marine and land areas in Permatang Damar Laut.
“Meanwhile, for the fabrication of the superstructure, the project requires a total of 260 T-beams. As of Aug 31 this year, 25 T-beams have completed the casting process,” he said.
Zairil stressed that alongside physical progress, strict compliance with site safety standards, operational controls and environmental management remained a priority throughout the project.
“The project management team will continue to monitor the construction site closely to ensure that all works are carried out responsibly and with accountability,” he said.
He added that the Penang government would continue to closely monitor the implementation of the project through close cooperation with PIC, the project developer and contractors to ensure smooth execution and that any challenges encountered on site could be addressed effectively.
“Upon completion, the first phase of PIL2A will serve as a key permanent access route to Silicon Island via Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, while acting as a catalyst for future development and sustainable urban growth in Penang,” he said.
Meanwhile, Farizan said the project management team remained committed to maintaining strict oversight of all contractor operations to ensure construction works were carried out responsibly, transparently and with full accountability to the local community.
He also explained that as the PIL2A alignment passes through residential areas, the safety and health team maintained regular communication with the local community, particularly when traffic diversions or road closures were required.
“The close cooperation established between both parties so far has ensured that all processes have proceeded smoothly,” said Farizan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan