Motorists wary of cracks at Sungai Nyior toll plaza
BUTTERWORTH: Motorists using the Sungai Nyior toll plaza are worried after cracks appeared at the base of the booths’ concrete structures.
There was also a gap of about 30cm beneath one of the booths and motorists fear the toll plaza would collapse at any time.
“Maintenance at the toll plaza must never be neglected,” said a businessman who wished to be known as Tan.
“The toll rate for cars was raised from RM0.50 to RM1.20 in 2015. And we cannot bypass the toll as it would mean a much further distance for us.”
Lingkaran Luar Butterworth (Penang) Sdn Bhd general manager (operations) Adnan Ariffin said repair works had begun and these would be completed by this week.
“The cracks could be due to the uneven road surface. These are only minor and not a structural damage,” he said, adding that the toll plaza was safe to use.
Construction of the 14kmButterworth Outer Ring Road began in 2003 and was completed in 2006.
It connects Jalan Baru in Prai via a bridge across the Prai River to Bagan Ajam before ending at Sungai Dua.
An intersection along the highway connects it to the ButterworthKulim Expressway via the Sungai Nyior toll plaza.
The Sungai Nyior toll plaza has been the subject of heated debate between the state government and the Opposition in the past.
It was reported that in 2008, after the 12th general election, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would apply to the Federal Government to abolish the toll within five years.
But to date, toll is still being collected.