GEORGE TOWN - Penang's mega road project will only be carried out if the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report deemed it feasible.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the project – estimated to cost RM8 billion – would be scrapped if found to be unsuitable.
"Surveys and feasibility studies will be carried out and we will not proceed with the project if the studies show that it is not suitable.
"The technical specifications will be sorted out once the tender has been awarded," he told a press conference yesterday.
Earlier, Lim handed over a RM300,000 cheque to Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple committee for its construction cost.
The mega road project mooted in 2011 involves the construction of an underwater tunnel linking Gurney Drive and Bagan Ajam as well as three highways – a bypass connecting Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, a link between Bandar Baru Air Itam to the same expressway and a dual-link road connecting Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang.
The project will also cover road reserves or uninhabited area around Air Itam.
Lim said the mega project would not be as massive as the controversial Penang Outer Ring Road.
He said the island needs more inner ring roads to ease traffic congestion, especially if those in the city's heritage area are closed for cultural events. During such events, roads linking the city to Tanjung Bungah and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway are inaccessible.
"All sorts of criticisms will come. We decided to bite the bullet and let the people decide whether they wanted the roads," said Lim, hinting that they expect the project to be a campaign issue in the upcoming general election.
-thesundaily
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