Summary
- RM851 million Ayer Itam bypass reaches 93.19% completion.
- New 5.7km road expected to cut travel time to seven to 10 minutes.
- Project targets April 2027 completion, pending safety approvals.
GEORGE TOWN, October 24 — Penang’s RM851 million Ayer Itam bypass project has reached 93.19% completion and is expected to be finished by April 2027.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 5.7km road would connect Farlim directly to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, reducing travel time to seven to 10 minutes.
Road paving is scheduled to begin by late October, with technical inspections and safety audits required before opening.
Chow said approximately RM50 million was needed to complete the remaining works, while improvements to a U-turn beneath Penang Bridge could take longer.
Major bridge and viaduct structures have been completed, with contractors now focusing on road barriers, safety installations and final construction works.
Chow said the contractor would continue financing the project, with state land at Gurney Bay available for transfer under the agreed land-for-infrastructure arrangement.
