The road leading to Penang Botanic Gardens will experience a partial closure from October 15, 2023, to June 30, 2026, due to the construction of the much-anticipated Penang Hill cable car project. This initiative is a collaboration between Penang Hill Corporation and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, with Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, an Austria-based leader in ropeway systems, providing the cable car infrastructure.

During this period, while the Penang Botanic Gardens will remain open to the public, visitors will face parking adjustments. They are required to park at designated lots located between 750 meters to 1 kilometer away, including at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Waterfall Hilltop Temple), Youth Park, and Nattukkottai Chattier Temple parking areas. From there, visitors will need to walk to the gardens. Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari advised against roadside parking and encouraged carpooling or public transportation due to limited parking options.

The partial closure will begin at the intersection of Jalan Kebun Bunga and Lorong Air Terjun, near the Park Avenue apartment. Traffic controllers will be stationed at key points, including the Penang Botanic Gardens Department’s office, to manage the flow of vehicles. Only authorised vehicles and residents will have access to the closed sections of the road.

Heavy construction vehicles will operate during non-peak hours on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, a section of Viaduct Road near Bypath J, which connects to the Jeep Track at KM3.8, will also be closed during Phase Two of the project. Hill residents are encouraged to use alternative routes, such as Jalan Tuanku Yahya Petra (Summit Road) and Upper Tunnel Road, for access.

The Penang Hill cable car project promises to enhance connectivity to Penang Hill, though temporary disruptions are expected during the construction phase.