Traffic flow and signal changes introduced in George Town’s Heritage zone

THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has implemented a traffic flow conversion involving two key roads in the heritage enclave.

This affects a section of Beach Street, between Downing Street and Chulia Street, as well as Church Street Ghaut, from Beach Street to Weld Quay. The new traffic flow, changed from two-way to one-way, took effect on Sept 7 at 12:01 am.

screenshot — The map below, provided by MBPP, illustrates the newly implemented one-way traffic system in the affected areas.

MBPP has also adjusted traffic signals at the junction of Beach Street and Chulia Street / Chulia Street Ghaut to enhance traffic flow. Signal phases have been reduced from four to two, facilitating smoother and more efficient vehicle movement.

a92c938f 6cfb 40c3 bca0 c1cb8f871b79 — Traffic from China Street is now redirected into the newly implemented one-way system along Beach Street.

According to MBPP councillor Dr Suhairi Arummugam Abdullah, who was recently contacted by Buletin Mutiara, the conversion of traffic flow from two-way to one-way was implemented due to an infrastructure upgrade project under the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP) in the neighbourhood.

PNBCAP covers the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning from north coastal areas to Weld Quay, Beach Street, Chulia Street, and Union Street.

1a84a2c7 26b0 4c81 b90f 676c12aef881 — One-way traffic at Church Street Ghaut

Buletin Mutiara had previously reported that projects to be implemented under five components include new tree-lined streets, pocket parks and vacant spaces, green parking areas, an urban agriculture programme, and blue-green corridors.

Meanwhile, councillor Benji Ang said the move aims to ease local traffic conditions, improve traffic flow, and enhance road safety.

8fe2ed5c c1ed 4e85 ab4f 8954b1acb796 — One of the traffic lights near the Beach Street Fire Station has been changed to match the new traffic flow.

“In preparation for the rerouting, MBPP had conducted a public engagement exercise to gather views and feedback.

“At the same time, we have engaged Waze and Google Maps to update navigation routes, but this will take some time. As such, users of these applications may not yet be fully accustomed and will need some time to adjust,” he told Buletin Mutiara.

0fee1e79 7f9f 4a49 a812 dcf8cb9dd2f8 — Traffic from Union Street, which was previously allowed to turn left towards the road leading to the Clock Tower roundabout, is now diverted to the right onto Beach Street.

He added that MBPP has deployed officers from engineering and enforcement departments at main junctions to assist with traffic control. In addition, pedestrian signals have been installed at the intersection of Toh Aka Lane and Chulia Street.

Benji noted local traders and residents are still observing the impact of this traffic rerouting plan. Should there be any feedback or suggestions, MBPP will consider further improvements.

The council also encourages all road users to stay updated on rerouting arrangements and adhere strictly to new traffic regulations.