380m viaduct to link southern Penang to Silicon Island
GEORGE TOWN : The Penang government will build a 380m marine viaduct connecting southern Penang with Silicon Island, with the link expected to be open to the public by December 2028.
Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the four-lane viaduct is a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) project, aimed at strengthening connectivity between Silicon Island and Penang's second bridge, and supporting long-term urban growth.
Construction work on the viaduct would begin this month with the first phase expected to be completed by mid-2027.
'The total cost of PIL2A phase one is RM390 million, covering the construction of 1.5km of infrastructure connecting the land area at Permatang Damar Laut to Silicon Island, including the construction of a 380m permanent marine viaduct.
'The components will also connect Silicon Island with the second bridge at the Batu Maung roundabout and the Penang International Airport through the construction of an elevated highway,' he told reporters after visiting Silicon Island to see the progress of development there, which has now reached 64.75ha.
A 0.8ha community hub, which includes a food court, a community hall and a one-stop service centre for fishermen, will also be built at Permatang Damar Laut overlooking Silicon Island.
Chow said to support the initial water supply needs of the island, a suction tank and pump house will be built on Permatang Damar Laut, with construction to commence in the third quarter of this year and expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO Farizan Darus said the total construction cost for the community facilities, pump houses and suction tanks is estimated at RM36 million.
Silicon Island, with an area of 930.78ha, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government. It marks the first time the state government is directly undertaking a reclamation project.
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