Proposed Third Penang Bridge to Replace Undersea Tunnel Under Study, to Be Presented to PPC

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang State Government is conducting a conceptual design study for the proposed Third Penang 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 account plans for the expansion of Penang Port and the need to ease traffic congestion in Gurney Bay and surrounding areas.

He said the proposed realignment involves shifting the route northwards to ensure compatibility with Penang Port’s expansion plans while avoiding disruptions to port operations and shipping navigation routes.

“Currently, the conceptual design study is being carried out, and its findings will be presented to the PPC for feedback and further consideration.

“This assessment aims to ensure that any decision regarding the project’s implementation takes into account technical feasibility, financial implications, public mobility needs, maritime safety and navigation, as well as the long-term benefits to the state’s socioeconomic development,” he said.

He was responding to a question from Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) on the latest status of the state’s three-highway and undersea tunnel projects as of September 2026 during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

The proposed 6.5-kilometre undersea tunnel connecting Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

Regarding the North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) project, Zairil said the state government is reviewing part of the proposed alignment between Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang to ensure that the proposal takes into account technical suitability, local environmental sensitivities, population density and soil erosion risks.

In this regard, he said the terms of the Sub-Agreement (SA) are being finalised before it can 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 consideration transportation needs, safety and the interests of local residents,” he said.

The NCPR project is part of the three major roads and tunnel project awarded in 2013, involving the construction of a 10.61-kilometre highway comprising 8.41 kilometres of land-based roads and 2.2 kilometres of coastal elevated roads connecting Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang.

Construction was originally scheduled to begin this year and be completed by 2031.

Once completed, travel time from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang is expected to be reduced from 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours to just seven minutes.

BERNAMA