Chow eyes April 2027 completion for Air Itam-LCE bypass

Penang's chief minister Chow Kon Yeow is confident that the Air Itam-Lim Chong Eu Expressway (LCE) bypass will be finished by April 2027. The RM851 million project, led by contractor Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC), is currently 93.19% complete.

Chow visited the project site in Gelugor and mentioned that main works like bridge constructions and viaducts have been completed. The focus now is on following-up tasks such as installing road barriers and paving, which will start next month.

Before opening the bypass to the public, it must pass a technical compliance inspection and road safety audit to meet all standards and safety requirements. Chow also assured that the state government won't face a funding shortage. CZC will cover the remaining RM50 million cost, and the government will transfer ownership of several Gurney Bay land lots to the firm.

The 5.7km bypass is the first project under Penang's Transport Master Plan, linking Air Itam and Farlim directly to the LCE. It aims to cut travel time and reduce congestion on Green Lane and Jalan Masjid Negeri. Initially planned for 2025, the project was delayed to April 2027.