GEORGE TOWN, Nov 2 — The state government is still conducting a conceptual design study for the proposed Penang Third Link Bridge as an alternative to the undersea tunnel, before presenting it to the Penang Port Commission (PPC) for feedback.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state government had approved a realignment study based on a bridge design concept, taking into consideration plans to expand Penang Port and the need to ease traffic congestion in Gurney Bay and its surrounding areas.
He said the proposed realignment involved shifting the route northwards to ensure it was compatible with Penang Port's expansion plans, while avoiding any disruption to port operations and vessel navigation routes.
“At present, the conceptual design study is underway, and its findings will be presented to the PPC for feedback and further consideration.
“This assessment aims to ensure that any decision on the project's implementation takes into account technical feasibility, financial implications, people's mobility needs, shipping safety and marine navigation, as well as the long-term benefits to the state's socioeconomic development,” he said.
He said this in response to a question from Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) on the latest status, as of September 2026, of the three highway projects and one undersea tunnel project, during the state assembly sitting here today.
The proposed 6.5-kilometre undersea tunnel linking Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
On the North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) project, Zairil said the state government was reviewing part of the proposed alignment, covering the route from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, to ensure that it took into account technical suitability, local sensitivities, population density and the risk of soil erosion.
In this regard, he said the terms of the Sub-Agreement (SA) were being finalised before it could be signed.
“At the same time, the state government is also undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for part of the new alignment to ensure that the proposed development takes into account transportation needs, safety and the interests of local residents,” he said.
The NCPR project is part of a package involving three major roads and a tunnel, which was awarded in 2013. It involves the construction of a 10.61-kilometre highway, comprising an 8.41-kilometre land route and a 2.2-kilometre coastal viaduct linking Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2031. Upon completion, travel time between Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang is expected to be reduced from 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours to just seven minutes. — Bernama
