Work Begins On Juru–Sungai Dua Traffic Dispersal Project To Ease Penang Congestion

Work has officially kicked off on the long-awaited traffic dispersal project between the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas (PTJSD) in Penang, a move that promises smoother drives along one of the state’s most congested stretches.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) said Package 1 of the project began on Tuesday (Oct 21), with Naza Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd appointed as the main contractor after an open tender process.

“Package 1 involves upgrading works at the East-West Interchange roundabout (KM135.15–KM135.4) and the construction of a new flyover along Jalan Tun Hussein Onn (KM133.5–KM134.5). The works are expected to take 24 months to complete,” PLUS said in a statement.

The project is meant to ease congestion between Juru and Sungai Dua, improving daily commutes for some 200,000 motorists who use the stretch. 

During the initial phase, PLUS assured that traffic flow won’t be affected, with both lanes in each direction staying open. Regular updates will also be shared on its social media channels.

The PTJSD is one of the key infrastructure initiatives announced under Budget 2025 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, alongside the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), Penang International Airport expansion, and Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3.

According to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the full project will span eight phases, featuring intersections without traffic lights and two elevated U-turns to smoothen traffic flow.

He said several major junctions will also see upgrades including the Juru Utara Elevated Intersection (Autocity), Penang Bridge Intersection, and Jalan Baru Overpass with additional flyovers connecting Jalan Tun Hussein Onn to the North–South Expressway.

The new highway layout will separate local and through traffic, similar to the setup in Ipoh. That means northbound drivers won’t need to exit at Juru, and southbound ones can skip the Sungai Dua toll altogether.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will also be in place throughout the construction to minimise disruptions for road users.