Public Works Dept will assist with PTMP: works minister

BALIK PULAU – Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the ministry will assist in whatever way they can with the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

PTMP is a state government initiative with an estimated cost of RM46 billion, comprising a seabed tunnel connecting the island to the mainland, highways, LRT, monorail, and a comprehensive network of bus routes on the island and mainland.

“PTMP is not under our jurisdiction as the planning is at the state level.

“However, at the state-level, the Public Works Department (PWD) will cooperate in providing technical advice, and whatever input needed.

“And if the state needs help at the federal level, we are also ready to provide our expertise in terms of advice and whatever that is required by the state,” he said today at the Titi Kerawang Bridge inspection during the FT Roadpedia Utara 2.0.

He inspected the bridge replacement project at FT006/41/93, Southwest district that is part of the “Penang Round Island” route that costs RM8.1 million to construct.

The project was completed on May 31, last year, involving a 160m route to replace the old, narrow bridge with a 90-degree angle curve that proved to be too difficult for large vehicles such as tour buses to manoeuvre.

The old bridge will serve as a parking location for those visiting the Titi Kerawang Waterfalls and a place for cyclists to take a break during their journey to Balik Pulau from Teluk Bahang and vice versa.

“This project aims to improve the existing road infrastructure network because the old Titi Kerawang bridge is quite narrow and cannot accommodate two vehicles at once from different directions.

Safety and comfort aspects have also been enhanced; plus, heavy vehicles can cross this new bridge without any obstacles from sharp bends,” he said.

This is one of four completed projects out of 23 in the northern region. Another 19 projects in the region under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan are currently underway.

The total expenditure for all 23 projects will amount to RM2.2 billion. – The Vibes, March 20, 2022