Penang LRT: Major Road Diversions in Bayan Lepas from Jan 2026

Major traffic diversions will take place in Bayan Lepas from mid-Jan 2026 as construction of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line gets underway.

According to SRS Consortium project director Adil Putra Ahmad, the first phase will affect Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah between Kampung Jawa and Mayang Pasir. Traffic will be cut from three to two lanes in both directions to allow work on the elevated tracks. 

The stretch, over 1KM long, will take about 38 months to complete, with the target set for Dec 2028.

Traffic control will focus on three main areas: Komtar, Sunny Point and the Free Industrial Zone (FIZ). Adil warned that congestion is unavoidable, while state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state would keep the public updated so drivers can better plan their routes. 

He also assured that contractors will follow strict safety measures, especially during the monsoon.

The new line will serve key points across the island. Stations are planned at the FIZ, Penang International Airport, Universiti Sains Malaysia, SPICE, and the upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, with stops through Jelutong, Sungai Pinang and Macallum Street. 

A channel crossing will link the island to Penang Sentral, connecting directly to the national rail network.

“This means someone from Sungai Petani or Padang Besar can take a commuter train to Penang Sentral, transfer to the LRT and continue straight to the airport, USM, Bayan Lepas or Komtar,” Zairil explained.

He described the Mutiara Line as a game-changer, with daily ridership expected to start at 70,000 and grow past 100,000 over time. The system is also expected to cut traffic along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and surrounding routes.

Source: MalayMail