Jalan Paya Terubong under purview of Federal Govt

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is not able to ban heavy vehicles from using Jalan Paya Terubong – which connects Relau to Balik Pulau and Paya Terubong – as the road is under the purview of the Federal Government.
State Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng (pix) said the state had no authority to bar trucks, trailers and big lorries from the road since the road belonged to the federal administration.
He added that banning such vehicles from traversing the road did not make sense as the road was one of many used by construction companies to transport building materials to their sites.
"It is not a good idea," he told theSun when asked about the issue.
Calls for heavy vehicles to be barred from using the road have grew louder after a stalled trailer carrying 60 tonne load of piles blocked the two-lane road on the afternoon of July 2.
Thousands of commuters were late for work and school in the morning the following day after the road was closed to facilitate removal works.
Many had to use longer alternative routes to reach their destination and vented their frustrations and anger on social media.
Lim nonetheless said a 4.1km elevated flyover was currently being constructed and could address the issue.
He said construction of the RM600 million project began last year and would benefit the residents of Balik Pulau, Paya Terubong and Relau by providing an alternative road to use.
He said the flyover will connect Lebuhraya Thean Teik to Bukit Gambir and also provide a link to Jalan Tun Sardon and Jalan Paya Terubong.
"This is expected to ease traffic flow in the area," he said adding the project will take 18 months to complete.
Residents theSun spoke to meanwhile said the project benefited them since an alternative route would be created with one of them being Ang Phaik Kean, 40, who stays in Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau said he was waiting construction to finish so he can use the road.
"This gives me another way to go to work at least," he said.
Ahmad Mazlan, 32, meanwhile said he was frustrated everytime a vehicle broke down a Jalan Paya Terubong as this would cause a traffic snarl along the narrow stretch.
"The road will be blocked and traffic can come to standstill if a vehicle breaks down," he added.