Penang may opt for another bridge across Penang Straits for third link
GEORGE TOWN: Will Penang's third link be another bridge instead of the proposed undersea tunnel project?
State Infrastructure, Transport and Utility Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP – Tanjung Bunga), in his winding-up speech during the state legislative assembly sitting this afternoon, said the state government is currently considering a proposal for a new design change, from an undersea tunnel to a bridge across the Penang Straits.
"The feasibility study was completed in 2023, covering the viability of the new design, namely, a bridge, or other alternative designs.
"The implementation study for this alternative design will be completed in the near future, and the new design is expected to be finalised once the study is concluded," he said.
Zairil said a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and all other necessary evaluations would be carried out thereafter.
In February, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the third link for vehicular movement between Penang island and Seberang Prai would involve a change in alignment.He, however, did not reveal details of the new alignment and remained non-committal as to whether the third link would be an undersea tunnel or another bridge.
Back in 2021, it was reported that the state government had not ruled out the possibility of a third bridge to replace the proposed undersea tunnel project connecting the island and the mainland.
Penang already has two bridges, with the second bridge currently underutilised.
The undersea tunnel is part of the RM6.3 billion mega project in the state.
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