According to a report by Bernama, construction of the Bayan Lepas Expressway (BLE) is expected to be completed and opened to traffic by early June 2016. The project serves as a link to the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, which is also known as the Second Penang Bridge.
Works Department (infrastructure sector) deputy director-general Datuk Dr Roslan Md Taha told the national news agency that the connecting link’s progress has hit 92% completion, with final touch up work expected to commence in April. The project was hit with a stop-work order last year, after road closures caused a massive traffic jam on the island state, delaying its construction.
“We hope BLE upgrading is completed and open to traffic earlier than its target in June to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours in the industrial area,” he said. The highway is expected to ease traffic from Batu Maung to Sungai Nibong, and is currently in the final stages of construction with the installation of pillars 19 and 20 of the main structure.
Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB), operator of the Second Penang Bridge, stated last year that if the Bayan Lepas Expressway is not completed on time, it would sustain huge losses. The company’s managing director previously expected the highway to open in March 2016.
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