Penang LRT: Traffic diversions imposed for major roadworks

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced several traffic diversions and imposed restrictions on major roadworks for the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which stretches from Silicon Island reclamation towards Komtar in George Town. This was done to address the increasing traffic congestion on the island. The project, which is Penang's first light rail transit system, spans approximately 29.5 kilometres and includes 21 to 22 stations connecting Silicon Island, the international airport in Bayan Lepas, George Town (Komtar), and Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

George Town Lord Mayor and MBPP president, Datuk Anthony Rajendran, announced these measures during a press conference. He explained that the diversions at strategic locations such as Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sungai Nibong, and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway were essential for coordinating traffic flow. For commercial areas with high traffic volume, the SRS Consortium, the project delivery partner, has been directed to commence work only between 11 pm and 6 am daily.

Rajendran urged residents to be patient, stating that the work is temporary and contractors are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible. He noted persistent congestion in Jalan Scotland, near Penang Hospital's epi centre, and allowed parking from Jalan Sepoy Lines to Jalan Hargreaves. However, parking will be prohibited near traffic light junctions at Jalan Residensi, Jalan Macalister, Lebuhraya Codrington, and Lebuhraya Peel, as stationary cars would exacerbate congestion in those areas.

The MBPP expects congestion to subside once the hospital completes the installation of 400 parking bays at its multi-storey car parking facility. The hospital, a key referral center in the northern region, is currently undergoing expansion works and renovations. Meanwhile, the LRT project owner, MRT Corporation, announced intermittent partial lane closures along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah from now until November 15.

These closures, which will occur daily between 10 pm and 5 am, are necessary for tree-felling works as part of the main line construction. The leftmost lane between Jalan Sungai Dua and Universiti Sains Malaysia Padang, heading towards Komtar, and the leftmost lane between Batu Uban Army Camp and Sunny Point, heading towards Bayan Lepas, will be closed.

The rightmost lane between the same locations will also be closed, while other lanes will remain accessible to traffic.