The Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) has rolled out several precautionary measures at construction sites for the Bandar Baru Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass (Package Two) project.
These measures aim to mitigate risks and prevent incidents affecting nearby properties and residents.
Zairil Khir Johari (PH—Tanjong Bunga), who oversees the Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital portfolio, stated that these initiatives were introduced following several unfortunate incidents where vehicles and houses near the project site were damaged.
The most recent incident involved a crane transported by a trailer, which tipped over and damaged two houses and a car at Changkat Delima 1 in Green Lane.
In response, PIC has introduced the following measures:
• Enhanced traffic management: Heavy vehicle movements are now closely monitored, with traffic wardens deployed to manage traffic flow effectively in affected areas.
• Public notices: Information signage has been installed to inform residents and road users to plan their journeys.
• Stringent security checks: All heavy vehicles transporting construction materials undergo inspections before entering the site.
“The car involved in the incident, declared a total loss, led the contractor to loan a replacement vehicle to the affected individual until insurance claims are processed.
“For the first house owner, a compensation of RM19,000 has been provided for damages, while repair costs for the kitchen and drainage system of the second house are currently being finalised,” he added during the State Legislative Assembly Sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
In response to a supplementary question by Tan Hooi Peng (PH—Seri Delima) about restricting heavy vehicles from residential areas, Zairil acknowledged the challenge.
He noted that alternative routes were not feasible as the highway’s alignment is situated close to housing areas.
“I understand this is a difficult time for the affected residents, but with the project now 60% complete, we anticipate a reduction in heavy vehicle movements within the next six months,” Zairil said.
The Package Two bypass, a significant infrastructure milestone, is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2025 at an estimated cost of RM851.04 million.
The project features three interchanges, which are Interchange One: Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Interchange Two: Jalan Bukit Gambir–Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and lastly, Interchange Three: Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, featuring a left-in-left-out junction and an elevated U-turn.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud