GEORGE TOWN: Works on the second package highway construction in Penang connecting the Water Itam bypass at Thean Teik Expressway with Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway will start on Oct 31.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project involving a 5.7km route costs RM851,040,000, and will take 36 months to complete.
"Seventy per cent of the project has elevated sections while the remaining parts will be at-grade,” he said at a press conference after a sub-agreement signing ceremony between the Penang government and project contractor Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd for the 2nd Package
Chow signed on behalf of the state government while Consortium Zenith Construction was represented by its chairman Tan Sri Azmi Khalid.
According to Chow, the state government had proposed to build three paired roads on the island to alleviate traffic congestion especially during peak hours.
The other proposed highway roads are the 10.53km north coastal paired roads from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, and a 4.075km paired roads from Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass.
The paired roads project is one of two components under the proposed RM6.3 billion Penang undersea tunnel project. The other component is the 7.2km undersea tunnel linking Gurney Drive on the island and Bagan Ajam on the mainland.
Chow said both parties had identified a parcel of reclaimed land, Gurney Wharf, which would be considered as payment for the project.
"The company will submit claims to the government for the land to be transferred according to the schedule to be worked on.
"We will start work at the portions where there is no land acquisition needed," he said.
Chow added after the 2nd Package project commences, the government will look at the other projects in the package to be carried out, including the undersea tunnel.
However he stressed that a decision has to be made on the project.
"We will have to look at which Package is the priority. Only then will the Consortium make the necessary drawings and draft for the project," he added.