Elevated road link project delayed
> DOSH issues stop-work order after dropped beams incident last week
GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s plan to ease traffic congestion in the outskirts of the island has been delayed after a stop-work order was slapped on the construction of an elevated 6km road in Balik Pulau.
The construction of the elevated road to link Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Bandar Baru Air Itam with Jalan Tun Sardon via Lebuh Bukit Jambul will be delayed for at least a year, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow ( pix) said yesterday.
This follows an incident where a crane operator allegedly knocked over 14 concrete beams at a slope in Jalan Tun Sardon last Thursday.
Nobody was injured in the incident, but the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) ordered works to be stopped.
The elevated road is part of an upgrade project for a 1.1km stretch along Lebuhraya Thean Teik and a 1.5km stretch along Lebuh Bukit Jambul.
Upon completion, it would ease congestion along Jalan Paya Terubong, and disperse traffic faster into the satellite townships of Bayan Baru, Balik Pulau and Air Itam.
The RM545 million project is under the Penang Island City Council.
Chow said several residents had also complained to the council Appeals Board, which is looking into the concerns raised.
“No work can be done pending the litigation cessation of the case,” he said.
It was reported that some 60,000 vehicles use the hilly Jalan Paya Terubong road daily.