Highway for Gurney Drive

> Cost of about RM400 million to be borne by state

GEORGE TOWN: An eight-lane highway has been planned for Gurney Drive following the completion of reclamation works there, which will help disperse traffic from the Sri Tanjung Pinang 2 (STP2) project at Tanjung Tokong.

Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the highway was still in the conceptual stage and will be situated on a portion of the reclaimed land.

He said the highway will serve to alleviate traffic congestion by being connected to the proposed Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang paired road as well as the Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass.

He said the cost was estimated at between RM300 million and RM400 million, and was “to be borne by the state at this point in time” but that discussions on financing were still ongoing.

“This will benefit the state,” he said when asked about the cost of the proposed project at an ad hoc press conference yesterday after he wound up the debate on the Supply Bill 2017 at the Penang legislative assembly.

The reclamation at Gurney Drive is being undertaken by developer E&O under Phase 2A of the STP2 project at a cost of RM1.07 billion, with the 24.28ha reclamation of the Gurney shorefront expected to be completed by mid-2018.

Other than the highway, a seafront promenade – Gurney Wharf – with seafront retail and food and beverage elements, is also being planned.

Lim dismissed allegations the reclaimed area will be used for high-rise projects.