The long-awaited Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project is set to commence physical works in the fourth quarter of 2025, as announced by Penang’s Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari. The decision was finalized following a Value Assessment workshop attended by key stakeholders, including the Works Ministry, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), PLUS Malaysia Berhad, and the Seberang Perai City Council.

According to Zairil, the federal-funded project aims to alleviate severe congestion between the Sungai Juru Toll and the Sungai Dua Toll by creating a dedicated express lane for through traffic. This will ensure that vehicles traveling between the two tolls can bypass local routes, reducing traffic buildup.

Enhanced Traffic Flow and Reduced Congestion

The Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway will feature a design similar to the elevated expressway in Ipoh, Perak. Vehicles utilizing the express lane will no longer need to exit at the Juru Toll, streamlining movement along the North-South Expressway. Meanwhile, local traffic will have separate exit ramps to enhance road efficiency.

Currently, all vehicles must exit at the Juru Toll before re-entering the highway at the Sungai Dua Toll, leading to frequent bottlenecks. The new elevated highway will separate local and through traffic, creating a more seamless and efficient driving experience.

Project Features and Upgrades

The project, spanning 17.4 km with approximately 8.95 km of elevated highway, will be implemented in eight phases. Among the key upgrades is the construction of two elevated U-turns, eliminating the need for traffic lights, ensuring continuous traffic movement. Additionally, the Seberang Jaya roundabout will be redesigned into an elevated structure, further improving connectivity to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE).

Zairil expressed optimism that these improvements would significantly ease congestion, particularly at the traffic-light-controlled intersection near Jalan Kebun Nenas, Bukit Tengah.

Cost and Toll Rates

Initially estimated at RM3 billion, the total cost of the project remains subject to revision pending final approval from the Works Ministry. When questioned about potential toll rate increases for North-South Expressway (PLUS) users, Zairil clarified that no such information has been communicated to the state government.

With an expected completion date in 2030, the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway is poised to bring long-term benefits by improving traffic efficiency and easing congestion along one of Penang’s busiest expressway stretches.