RM33mil Penang underpass to use tunnelling to ease traffic disruption

The Mount Erskine underpass in Penang is undergoing a redesign to utilize a tunnel, avoiding the need for excavation on a busy road and preventing potential traffic congestion during construction. Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu clarified this during a recent Dewan Rakyat session. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has completed land acquisition and appointed consultants for the project, which was initially estimated at RM25 million but has since been re-budgeted at RM33 million.

The project, which began in March 2022, is still in the technical preparation phase, with the design expected to be finalized by December 2022, leading to a tender process starting in February 2027 and contractor appointment by June 2027. The underpass, approximately 780m long and 8m wide, is slated for completion by November 2030.

Penang has not requested federal funding for road projects along its northern coast, with works minister Ahmad Maslan stating that the state should prioritize existing road upgrades before seeking further financial support.