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 is 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 socio-economic development,” he said.

He said this in response to a question from Teh Lai Heng (Pakatan Harapan-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 on Monday.

The proposed 6.5km undersea tunnel linking Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan.

On the North Coastal Paired Road project, Zairil said the state government is reviewing part of the proposed alignment, covering the route from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, to ensure that it takes 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 are being finalised before it could be signed.

“At the same time, the state government is also undertaking an environmental impact assessment 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 10.61km highway, comprising an 8.41km land route and a 2.2km 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.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee