Latest news with #TrafficImpactAssessment
The Star
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Pressing need for underpass in Penang
ONCE a quiet neighbourhood, Mount Erskine in northwestern George Town, Penang, is historically known for its Chinese cemeteries and low-rise homes. Before the early 2000s, the area had basic infrastructure and a laid-back, suburban feel. But as George Town became increasingly dense, developers began transforming the suburb into a hub of high-rise developments and modern living. Traffic at a standstill along Jalan Gottlieb in George Town, Penang. Today, one of its main roads – Lebuhraya Halia – leads into a vertical neighbourhood of private condominiums and affordable high-rises. Situated between George Town and Batu Ferringhi, this area is a strategic choice for middle-class and upwardly-mobile families. Mohamad Haziq: Riding a motorcycle is the only way to avoid being stuck in traffic from Jelutong to Tanjung Tokong. However, this growing appeal has also led to bottlenecks and a pressing need for improved infrastructure. Rapid development here as well as along its supporting roads have resulted in severe traffic congestion during peak hours. Residents have, for years, voiced their concerns but traffic still remains their main grievance. Congestion relief plan The Jalan Burma–Jalan Gottlieb–Jalan Bagan Jermal–Jalan Mount Erskine intersection serves as a crucial access route for Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong residents heading to the southwest district or mainland via either the Penang Bridge or second Penang Bridge. Tang's commute from Bayan Lepas to her workplace in Tanjung Tokong, results in her spending hours caught in traffic. In 2019, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) announced plans to build an underpass at the intersection to address persistent traffic woes. At the time, traffic flow in the area was described as 'messy during peak hours,' and the city council projected a daily traffic volume of up to 58,500 vehicles by 2024, based on a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) report. Additionally, around 10,000 new housing units were built in and around Mount Erskine, Jalan Fettes and Jalan Lembah Permai. Earlier this year, the underpass project was one of eight Penang initiatives being considered for funding by Economy Ministry. Woo: MBPP submitted details on the scale and impact of the underpass project to the Federal Government for funding. Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the underpass was essential to ease traffic flow, especially for those living along the Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah residential corridor. He said the project would cost RM35mil, with land acquisition requiring another RM23.9mil. He added that the land acquisition process, for the 700m stretch from Jalan Mount Erskine to Jalan Burma (up to Adventist Hospital), had been completed. The acquisition involved 20 lots totalling 4,430sq m – two owned by MBPP, two belonging to the Federal Government and 16 with private owners. The state government is currently awaiting the project's official approval from the Federal Government under the 13th Malaysia Plan. 'If the Federal Government does not approve it, the state will consider other options to proceed with construction,' Zairil said when contacted by StarMetro. Zairil: Land acquisition is completed for the 700m stretch from Jalan Mount Erskine to Jalan Burma (up to Adventist Hospital). Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo said the area served as a vital artery for daily commuters travelling between residential neighbourhoods, schools and the city centre. Recognising the urgency of the issue, he said MBPP had submitted details on the scale and impact of the underpass project to the Federal Government for funding. 'The area, along with its connecting roads, has long been a source of heavy congestion, especially during peak hours. 'Bottlenecks not only cause significant delays but also affect the quality of life for residents and road users,' he said. He added that bottlenecks also increased travel time, fuel consumption and carbon emissions. 'As urban traffic continues to worsen, timely intervention is crucial to prevent further strain on Penang's transportation network. 'The plan's success will depend on intergovernmental collaboration and prioritisation of infrastructure investments that directly benefit the people,' said Woo. He said the project, if approved, would mark a significant step forward in addressing traffic woes and improving mobility for thousands of road users. Commuting struggles A company chief operating officer Jasmon Lim, 42, who lives in Tanjung Bungah and commutes daily to and from work on the mainland in Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai, is constantly stuck in traffic. 'I drive from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Kawan and back, usually during peak hours, every day. 'Just getting out of Tanjung Bungah and passing Gurney Drive takes about 30 minutes. 'Traffic starts building up near the Tanjung Tokong area and is slow moving from there,' he said. Lim said he first noticed traffic worsening about eight years ago due to significant development, including a surge in new housing projects in the area. 'Ideally, the road should have a few more lanes to accommodate the increased traffic, but it still only has two,' he said. 'With all the new high-rise developments, it has become a high-density zone. 'Years ago, there were fewer condominiums and buildings.' Lim said it could sometimes take him up to two hours to get home from Batu Kawan, depending on the time. 'There are times when traffic is at a complete standstill on the way back to Tanjung Bungah. 'An underpass from Jalan Burma and Jalan Mount Erskine will help divert traffic and ease congestion significantly. 'Measures taken to divert traffic away from this stretch, especially during peak hours, will make a huge difference for commuters. 'It would be ideal to reroute traffic onto main roads and away from densely populated areas. 'I really hope the project starts soon,' he said. Pharmacist Tang Shin Wei, 28, commutes daily from Bayan Lepas to her workplace in Fettes Park, Tanjung Tokong, which is almost to the opposite end of the island. On bad days, it takes her up to an hour and a half to get home. 'When I leave work during peak hours, around 4.45pm or 5.45pm, it becomes really exhausting. 'I am usually stuck in near-standstill traffic, inching forward through the Mount Erskine, Bayan Lepas and Jelutong areas,' she said. Tang once tried avoiding the congestion by following shortcuts suggested by her navigation app. 'It did guide me to a supposedly faster route, but it took me through a residential area where cars were parked everywhere. 'It was hard to navigate, and I ended up wasting more time trying to squeeze past parked vehicles,' she said, adding that she now preferred staying on the main road because she knew where she was headed. Store manager Mohamad Haziq Abdul Rahim, 31, who lives in Jelutong and works in Tanjung Tokong, said riding a motorcycle was the only way he could avoid being stuck in traffic. 'This area always has heavy traffic. Even near my house, it is packed with cars. 'I may be using a motorcycle, but I still have to go through traffic, and sometimes manoeuvring around these cars takes up time,' he said. Mohamad Haziq still chooses to ride his motorcycle to work even when it rains, as he finds it too stressful driving a car through the traffic in Jelutong, Jalan Masjid Negeri and Mount Erskine. He has also noticed an increase in traffic in the area in recent years. 'There have been more developments, eateries and shopping spots around here. 'That has brought more people to this side of the island, and traffic has worsened. 'There are days when I am just glad I am already at work and not stuck in a car on the main road. 'There are only a few narrow lanes, and that just adds to the congestion,' he pointed out. Mohamad Haziq said he hoped plans were in place to fix or expand the roads. 'Something has to be done,' he said. 'There are just too many cars on the road now. We need to cater to the growing population here.'
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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang defends condo plan amid outcry over Boon Siew Villa demolition [WATCH]
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has confirmed that all technical and safety requirements have been met for a luxury condominium project along Jalan Batu Ferringhi, despite public concern over traffic congestion and safety in the area. The Ascott Residences project, which will comprise 99 units of high-end condominiums on a narrow stretch of road near a bend, was approved on Nov 20, last year. State Local Government Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said the building plan, together with all conditions set by all technical departments, including the Fire and Rescue Department, was subsequently approved on April 9, this year. This comes after Sahabat Alam Malaysia honorary secretary S. Mageswari told the New Straits Times that they are very concerned that yet another condominium project would be built in Batu Ferringhi. She said SAM believes that development projects such as this should not be approved without a Local Plan to ensure that development and land use planning are properly managed with proper accountability and transparency. "This begs the question of how these projects are being approved by the Penang Island City Council. "Were safety aspects, traffic, density, setback areas to protect the natural shoreline, and environmental considerations taken into account?" she asked. H'ng, in response to concerns about worsening traffic congestion along the already busy Jalan Batu Ferringhi, said the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) was conducted and approved on Jan9, this year. "One of the key technical departments involved in the planning approval process is the Fire and Rescue Department, and its conditions must be strictly adhered to. "The building plan has been approved, including the conditions imposed by the Fire and Rescue Department," he told the New Straits Times. The New Straits Times reported today that Penang's rich heritage has once again suffered a blow with the loss of one of its iconic landmarks. The Boon Siew Villa, once a majestic coastal home at Shamrock Beach in Jalan Batu Ferringhi, has been demolished to make way for a luxury development. Hoarding has been erected around the site, and a construction crew has moved in to begin building the 43-storey Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi condominium project. The loss was felt not just by the people who lived near the villa, which stood as a symbol of old Penang, but also heritage advocates who saw it as another blow to the state's historical landscape. Meanwhile, local historian, former Penang Island City Council councillor, and content creator John Oh expressed sadness over the loss of yet another iconic building, even as he acknowledged the need for development and a strong property industry in Penang. He said, although the villa represents only a recent chapter of 'postwar urban history,' the tragedy associated with it and the stories surrounding the house, familiar to the recent generation, are almost reminiscent of the mysteries found in the novels of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. "Recognising the significance of this building, when we received information of the development, we decided to do a tribute content on the building so that the stories and memories of this iconic house may be preserved for the future. "We believe we are the last to document the account of the villa before its demolition," he said.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Appeal lodged against plans for 155 homes and apartments in Waterford
S&K Carey Ltd submitted plans to Waterford City and County Council (WCCC on February 20 this year seeking planning permission to construct a large-scale residential development (LRD) consisting of 155 homes at Duckspool, Dungarvan, County Waterford. The development consists of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, along with 42 apartments in four three-storey duplex apartment blocks. It was given the green-light by Waterford planners on Wednesday, April 16, with Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness describing the decision as 'a very positive step for Dungarvan at a time when the need for housing is acute'. Local resident John McGrath raised concerns about the development to WCCC, in relation to the master plan, traffic congestion, and environment. Mr McGrath wrote that the subject site provides access to a larger land bank which should be subject to a master plan for the area. A master plan should be developed 'in the first instance.' 'I would suggest therefore that this development is premature in that a master plan should now be drawn up for the entire area. A zoning map of the area with some notes, a creche and a spine road included as part of this planning submission does not constitute a master plan. The absence of a master plan is simply not acceptable as certain infrastructural, social and community obligations are being neglected or worse ignored.' Under traffic congestion, Mr McGrath maintained that a previous planning grant for a much smaller development on the subject site was conditioned by the council 'such that the developer was to contribute towards a new roundabout at the junction of the L-3168 and the N25. Five years on, a much larger development is now proposed for the site with no consideration been given for a roundabout at the junction of the N25 and the L-3168'. Traffic models prepared as part of the planning submission suggest that the project should be developed in advance of upgrading work to the local road network. 'As a local resident I would respectfully suggest that one must question the suitability and validity of the Traffic Impact Assessment and its findings,' he wrote. Additionally, in 2022, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for 218 housing units on the opposite side of the same road as the subject development. 'This grant was issued despite huge opposition from local stakeholder groups whose concerns were vast and varied,' wrote Mr McGrath. 'Some concerns were raised concerning infrastructure. "While the most robust opposition came from those with regards to environmental concerns, I wish to ask the local authority to consider the concerns raised by local stakeholders and in particular the environmental concerns which were presented with much gusto and hype before making any decision regarding permission on the subject site. 'In conclusion, I would ask WCCC to refuse planning permission for this development in its present application format,' added Mr McGrath. The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála on or before September 1 next.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang MJLLS converting undersea tunnel into bridge
GEORGE TOWN: The state government is considering a new design change for the Penang Third Link project from an undersea tunnel to a bridge across the Penang Strait. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said a feasibility study was finalised in 2023, to include the possibility of a new design, either a bridge or an alternative design. 'The feasibility study for this alternative design will be completed in the near future and the new design is expected to be finalised after the study is completed. 'The Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and all appropriate assessments will be carried out after the conceptual design is finalised,' he said when winding up the debate on the opening address by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. Earlier, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Third Line project will likely change its alignment and design. On Feb 26, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the feasibility study for the tunnel project is still at the research stage and the state government was looking into several matters, including the expansion of the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) port, which involves the alignment of the project. The undersea tunnel project along the 6.5-kilometre stretch connecting Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). The state assembly session continues tomorrow.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang may opt for another bridge across Penang Straits for third link
GEORGE TOWN: Will Penang's third link be another bridge instead of the proposed undersea tunnel project? State Infrastructure, Transport and Utility Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP – Tanjung Bunga), in his winding-up speech during the state legislative assembly sitting this afternoon, said the state government is currently considering a proposal for a new design change, from an undersea tunnel to a bridge across the Penang Straits. "The feasibility study was completed in 2023, covering the viability of the new design, namely, a bridge, or other alternative designs. "The implementation study for this alternative design will be completed in the near future, and the new design is expected to be finalised once the study is concluded," he said. Zairil said a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and all other necessary evaluations would be carried out thereafter. In February, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the third link for vehicular movement between Penang island and Seberang Prai would involve a change in however, did not reveal details of the new alignment and remained non-committal as to whether the third link would be an undersea tunnel or another bridge. Back in 2021, it was reported that the state government had not ruled out the possibility of a third bridge to replace the proposed undersea tunnel project connecting the island and the mainland. Penang already has two bridges, with the second bridge currently underutilised. The undersea tunnel is part of the RM6.3 billion mega project in the state.
