PTJSD Package 1 To Be Completed Ahead Of Schedule – Chow

GEORGE TOWN, April 16 (Bernama) -- Package 1 of the Juru–Sungai Dua Toll Plaza Traffic Dispersal Project (PTJSD) here is expected to be completed ahead of schedule and operational by the end of 2027, in line with its 24-month construction period.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is based on information shared by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), with PTJSD now entering the implementation phase on site through physical works for Package 1, which began in October last year.

“The implementation of PTJSD will proceed in phases involving Packages 2 through 5 to complete the entire alignment from Juru Toll Plaza to Sungai Dua.

“All packages are expected to commence physical works in the third quarter of this year, subject to the finalisation of technical scope details, and overall, the project is targeted for full completion by the end of 2030,” he said in a statement today.

He added that to ensure smooth implementation of PTJSD, the state government has taken a proactive approach by holding continuous engagements with all relevant agencies as well as local authorities, which is crucial in addressing any arising issues comprehensively throughout the implementation period.

Chow said the state government will continue to closely monitor the project’s progress and remains committed to ensuring each phase is implemented smoothly as planned.

He said PTJSD is expected to have a significant impact in reducing traffic congestion, improving road user comfort, and stimulating the state’s economic growth while strengthening Penang’s competitiveness as a strategic investment hub.

“Overall, PTJSD is a strategic initiative to address long-standing traffic congestion issues along the North–South Expressway in the state. The route currently records an average traffic flow exceeding 200,000 vehicles daily and serves as a main corridor connecting traffic from the northern and southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

“Congestion along this stretch also directly affects surrounding areas such as Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam and Perai, thereby impacting daily mobility and local economic activities,” he said.

He added that since April 2024, various studies including traffic analyses have been conducted to ensure the proposed solutions are comprehensive and sustainable and that through the implementation of a Value Assessment Lab, the overall project scope is now in the final stage of negotiations to ensure optimised costs while meeting the needs of all stakeholders.

The 17.3-kilometre project, spanning three main districts—Seberang Perai Selatan, Tengah and Utara—is expected to benefit 200,000 daily users along the route.

The project, estimated to cost RM3 billion, is expected to reduce traffic congestion, with 30 per cent of traffic diverted to the new direct Juru–Sungai Dua route, cutting travel time during peak hours from one hour to just 20 minutes.

-- BERNAMA