BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 8 (Bernama) — The RM3 billion traffic dispersal project between the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and surrounding areas is expected to reduce travel time from one hour to about 20 minutes during peak periods.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project would also help ease congestion by allowing about 30 per cent of motorists to switch to the new direct Juru-Sungai Dua route, in turn improving safety, comfort and daily travel efficiency.
He said the project is being financed through a hybrid model, with 60 per cent funded by the government under development expenditure and the remaining 40 per cent by the concession company. Construction is expected to take 48 months, with completion targeted for mid-2030.
“The Works Ministry (KKR) assures that a detailed Traffic Management Plan will be implemented throughout the construction period to minimise disruption to road users. Once completed, it will benefit more than 200,000 users who rely on the route daily.
“The project spans 17.3 kilometres across three districts – South, Central and North Seberang Perai. It is an important initiative under the Unity Government’s MADANI agenda to reduce congestion, improve route efficiency and, most importantly, make daily travel easier for the people,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Seberang Jaya expo site here today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the ceremony. Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Nanta said KKR’s study found five key factors contributing to congestion along the stretch, including traffic overflow from Juru towards the Penang Bridge due to merging conflicts at the Perai Interchange, and the convergence of bridge-bound traffic heading towards Juru.
He said local traffic in Seberang Jaya also overlaps with northbound expressway traffic, while heavy vehicle movement in the Juru Autocity area and bottlenecks at the East-West Interchange roundabout towards the Butterworth–Kulim Highway (BKE) further worsen congestion.
“These combined factors make the stretch one of the busiest and most challenging in the northern region. This is why the government is taking strategic steps to implement the project,” he said.
The project’s main components include constructing a direct route between the two toll plazas, upgrading the Juru North Interchange (Autocity) with an overpass U-turn, and building a new slip road from Perai to Juru.
It also involves upgrading the East-West Interchange to reduce signal wait times and constructing a new elevated slip road along Jalan Tun Hussein Onn.
Nanta said PLUS Malaysia Berhad has been appointed the main implementing entity, with KKR and PLUS adopting the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model to accelerate implementation and reduce the government’s financial burden.
“KKR and PLUS will ensure the project is completed on schedule to prevent any leakages or wastage of resources. This is where the role of technical professionals is crucial, as the project will require the application of modern technologies to achieve effective project management that meets international standards,” he said.
On the technical design of the project, he said the government is incorporating the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), while Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be used during construction to ensure the best possible outcome for the public once the project is completed.
Meanwhile, KKR, in a statement, said the project is one of the Unity Government’s high-impact strategic initiatives to address chronic traffic congestion and support national economic growth, particularly in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.
The ministry noted that the congestion between the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas has persisted for many years due to a significant increase in vehicle volume.
This situation has not only affected the smooth travel of highway users but has also impacted local economic activity in areas such as Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam and Perai, it said.
“The project proposal was presented at the Cabinet meeting on Dec 20, 2024 following a traffic analysis study conducted by KKR. Plaza Tol Sungai Dua serves as the main gateway to Penang from the north and frequently experiences peak-hour congestion,” it added.
KKR said that PTJSD also supports the balanced development agenda for the Northern region and strengthens the national logistics network.
The project is expected to stimulate economic growth in Seberang Perai, Kepala Batas, and northern Penang, while creating job opportunities and generating economic spillovers for the local population.
— BERNAMA
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