GEORGETOWN, April 22 – Jalan Masjid Negeri is part of the main road around the outskirts of Georgetown, which accommodate high traffic flow every day. Jalan Masjid Negeri along the streets of other local circle of Jalan Tunku Kudin, Jalan Scotland, Jalan Utama, Kalan Gottlieb dan Jalan Bagan Jermal became the backbone of the road network in Penang with the absence of highways and shortcuts in the present.
Approximately 66,000 of vehicles using Jalan Masjid Negeri every day and can not be denied that the congestion occurs at peak hours. State Government of Penang with the City Council has been trying to address the problem of traffic congestion in Penang in general and specifically Georgetown since 2008.
In this regard, the study of “Concept Plans for Immediate Measures to Alleviate Traffic Congestion within Georgetown and its Vicinity” was commissioned in 2009 to search for the best solution in the short and medium term. This study was completed in 2010 and projects to improve traffic flow, such as the widening and upgrading of roads have been implemented gradually and continuously since 2010 in addition to the implementation of the one-way system.
All this has been realized through open tenders have been called by the State and MBPP. Construction Project Implementation Jalan Masjid Negeri between the roundabout of Udini and Jalan Delima has faced many challenges and eventually be completed successfully in April 2015. The total cost of this project is RM 7.3 million. Traffic congestion was reduced at times of peak traffic and traffic flow to be more slippery at other times.
Road users are generally satisfied with the improvement of traffic of approximately 15% which exists since this project is completed. These changes are propagated and repairs undertaken by the state government PR. Next, MBPP also is taking action to initiate a project to widen part of Jalan Masjid Negeri between the intersection of Hamilton Road / Lorong Batu Lancang / Jalan Masjid Negeri to the junction of Jalan Ayer Itam / Scotland Road / Jalan Masjid Negeri for smooth traffic flow.
Open tenders were called for the implementation of this project and the work is expected to commence in August 2015. So far, MBPP has implemented 7 projects to improve traffic flow in Jalan Masjid Negeri, Jalan Ayer Itam, Jalan Gottlieb, Jalan Bagan Jermal and surrounding areas with a total cost of RM 22.6 million. Apart from this, a project was at the implementation stage and 2 more projects are at the stage of tender calls for a total cost of RM 50.8 million.
This gives the total cost of improving traffic flow in Jalan Masjid Negeri, Jalan Ayer Itam, Jalan Gottlieb, Jalan Bagan Jermal and the surrounding area is RM 73.4 million. In the long term, and MBPP State Government has planned to implement the Project Construction of Highway By-pass Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu to Ayer Itam to relieve congestion and improve traffic flow in the Jalan Masjid Negeri, Ayer Itam and surrounding areas.
Feasibility study (feasibility studies) for this project has been completed and the detailed design is being prepared now. This project is expected to commence in mid-2016 after the Advanced Study of Environmental Impact executed. The project is estimated to cost RM 1:04 billion and is expected to be completed in 2019.
In addition, the open tender call has been made for the Construction and Installation Project Jalan Berkembar, Jalan Paya Terubong (Jalan Bukit Kukus) from Lebuhraya Thean Tek to Lebuh Bukit Jambul is expected to begin in September 2015 and completed in August 2018.
The number of boarding involved is RM 230 million. The approach taken by the State Government and MBPP in addressing the problem of traffic is to continue construction projects and upgrading of the road and at the same time promote and increase the use of public transport.
In terms of public transport, Request for Proposals is open to the appointment of Project Delivery Partner has been held and related projects is expected to begin in stages in late 2015 or early 2016. The financial position of the State and MBPP stronger year after year, more funding can be provided for projects to improve traffic flow and public transport for the benefit of the people of Penang and Penang to form an international city.
