Stop work order on elevated road project

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 linking Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Bandar Baru Air Itam with Jalan Tun Sardon via Lebuh Bukit Jambul is delayed for at least one year, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.
A crane operator is believed to have accidentally knocked over 14 25m concrete beams onto a slope at Jalan Tun Sardon last Thursday.
Nobody was injured in the incident, but the Department of Occupational Safety and Health ordered work on the site to be stopped.
The elevated road is part of an upgrade of a 1.1km stretch along Lebuhraya Thean Teik and a 1.5km stretch along Lebuh Bukit Jambul.
Upon completion, it would reportedly 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 falls under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Chow said several residents had also complained to the MBPP's Appeals Board, who is studying their complaints.
"No work can be done pending the litigation cessation of the case," he said.
It was reported that some 60,000 vehicles are dependent on the hilly Jalan Paya Terubong road daily. Traffic can be reduced by 30% with the percentage rising to 50% eventually, whenever the alternative route is completed.