A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (TMP) has been drawn up by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) for the duration of the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line construction in Penang.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the plan is crucial to ensuring smooth traffic flow along the proposed LRT alignment, while allowing construction activities to proceed safely and in a controlled manner.
“Changes such as lane reductions and temporary diversions are expected to cause some congestion in certain areas, especially during peak hours.
“However, primary traffic flow will be maintained to ensure that roads remain accessible to the public.
“The TMP implementation will involve lane reductions and route diversions along major roads affected by the construction of the elevated viaduct and stations, including the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Tengah and Jalan Magazine.
“MRT Corp is required by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to prepare a TMP for every station site from George Town to Permatang Damar Laut, allowing mitigation measures to be analysed and implemented in greater detail,” Zairil (PH–Tanjong Bunga) said in response to an oral question from Lee Boon Heng (PH–Kebun Bunga) at the Penang Legislative Assembly today.
Zairil said MRT Corp will also provide alternative routes and traffic diversions, which will be managed under the TMP approved by MBPP on 14 October this year.
“The TMP will also undergo monthly reviews and improvements to support future planning.
“More detailed information will be available through the Mutiara LRT Line social media channels and the official MRT Corp website.
“In the meantime, the developer and contractors will take the necessary measures to minimise the project’s impact on traffic conditions.
“Road users are therefore advised to regularly refer to the Mutiara LRT Line social media pages and MRT Corp’s official website for TMP updates and traffic announcements, as well as to check navigation applications such as Waze for real-time traffic information to plan their journeys,” he said.
Zairil added that the state government is confident that the Mutiara LRT Line project will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Penang.
“In terms of mobility, the LRT has a high passenger capacity and can transport tens of thousands of commuters per hour.
“This directly reduces the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby lowering daily congestion levels, especially along the George Town–Bayan Lepas corridor.
“The LRT also provides a more consistent and predictable travel time, as it operates on its own dedicated track, unaffected by traffic jams or flash floods.
“This aligns with the Penang2030 vision to improve the quality of life through an efficient and modern transportation system,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal