Zenith proposes Penang undersea tunnel alternative

PETALING JAYA (July 2): Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC) Sdn Bhd is proposing to build a bridge in lieu of the RM6.3 billion Penang undersea tunnel that will connect the island to the mainland, reported the Malay Mail.

The feasibility studies on the undersea tunnel component are 96% complete and will be submitted to the state government by September and October, said its senior executive director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli.

The company will also suggest building the bridge as an alternative to the undersea tunnel and let the state make a decision on the matter, he added.

Datuk Lee Chee Hoe, who is also a senior executive director of the company, said the bridge and the tunnel came with their own sets of pros and cons.

For instance, the bridge would require additional considerations such as a suitable height to enable larger ships to pass beneath it, and accommodate a light rail line underneath it as well, he explained.

Zarul noted that the feasibility studies and detailed design for the tunnel were postponed due to the “intense pressure” and controversy over the project since 2016.

“[But] now, once our studies passes the state’s independent consultant engineer, we should be able to present it to the state exco,” he said.

This is in addition to a detailed environmental impact assessment (DEIA) report for the tunnel, which he admitted would be “very challenging” to conduct.

Zarul added that the decision of a toll concession for the tunnel was also pending as there are now discussions about not charging motorists, and the decision to make the tunnel toll-free would also raise questions about the two Penang bridges which currently charge tolls.

According to him, the tunnel – which links Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland – will alleviate traffic congestion on the first bridge.