The tunnel project in the North Channel was awarded to Consortium Zenith BUCG in 2013, and the draft feasibility study report has been under way since 2014. It has finally been presented to the state executive council.
In a press conference, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the study showed “the project should go ahead, but subject to compliance regulations”.
The state government will now seek written reviews from the Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd before making its decision. Penang island and the mainland are already connected by two bridges and a ferry crossing and Chow said that a third bridge link had also not been ruled out.
The proposed 7.2km-long tunnel would connect Persiaran Gurney to Bagan Ajam in Seberang Prai. It is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan comprising a seabed tunnel connecting the island to the mainland, highways, light rail transport, monorail, and a comprehensive network of bus routes on the island and mainland.
