Penang’s North Coastal Paired Road Project Set to Begin Next Year, Promising Drastic Traffic Relief
PENANG, Sept 8 – Penang residents and commuters traveling to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang are poised to experience significantly reduced travel times as construction of the long-awaited North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) project is slated to begin in 2024. The 10.61km highway aims to alleviate chronic congestion on the existing jalan Batu Ferringhi, a single-carriageway route frequently overwhelmed during peak seasons and emergencies.
The RM2.9 billion project, known as package 1 of the Three Major Roads and Tunnel Project originally awarded in 2013, will feature 8.41km of roadway and a 2.2km viaduct extending over the sea. Onc completed, anticipated by 2031, the NCPR is projected to reduce travel time between Tanjong Bungah and Teluk Bahang from 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours to just seven minutes.
“For far too long, residents and daily commuters have had to endure worsening traffic jams when travelling from the city to Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi, and vice versa,” stated State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari on Monday. He further highlighted the impact of congestion on emergency services, noting delays experienced by ambulances, fire and rescue teams, and police responding to incidents.
The highway’s alignment will begin at Jalan Tanjong Bungah, pass by the floating Mosque, traverse the sea near Shamrock, and continue through Batu Ferringhi before concluding in Teluk Bahang. Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) is currently finalizing the detailed design, a process expected to take at least six months.Following design completion, an updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study will be required, anticipated to take approximately 1.5 years.
Currently, the state government, through the Penang State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN), is working with the state Legal Department and technical agencies to finalize both the Supplementary Agreement and the Land Acquisition Cost Agreement (Laca) with CZC.The project budget includes RM500 million allocated for land acquisition.
According to Zairil,”Land acquisition will commence once the Laca is signed while for state-owned land,construction may proceed immediately after the signing of the Supplementary Agreement.” He added that the acquisition of private land is estimated to take between six and twelve months.