Penang’s new Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway
Penang is best known for its mouthwatering food and culture. But its traffic snarls often steal the limelight – case in point, George Town was crowned the city with the worst traffic congestion in Malaysia in January 2025.
To help ease traffic for commuters beyond the planned LRT line, specifically the mainland section between Juru and Sungai Dua that’s often dubbed “the mother of all jams”, the new Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway (JSEH) was introduced by the government.
As reported by Bernama on 6th March 2025, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari has stated that the project is set to begin construction by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Expected completion in 2030
The Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project is set to resolve some of the region’s chronic traffic woes. Physical work on the highway is set to kick off by Q4 of 2025, with expected completion in 2030.
Image credit: PLUS
With an anticipated cost of RM3 billion, the 17.4-kilometer elevated highway will feature eight lanes and around 9km of elevated highways. This will help alleviate the local traffic from onward traffic in what is often dubbed one of the most congested routes in Penang.
Image credit: Penang Press via Facebook
Road users heading north or south can anticipate uninterrupted travel as there will be no need for toll exits at Juru to rejoin the expressway in Sungai Dua. They can proceed straight to Kedah, Perlis, and mainland Penang on the new highway and not have to join local traffic.
According to The Star, the project will help “eliminate one of the most ‘feared’ intersections” near Juru Auto City and feature traffic lights, a flyover, and two upper-level U-turns for unhindered travel.
Key intersections at Autocity, Penang Bridge, and Jalan Tun Hussein Onn will see significant upgrades for better traffic facilitation too.
Traffic management plans in place during construction
The upcoming Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway will make travel along the route a little less hectic. As potential disruptions for road users during the highway’s construction are expected over the next five years, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be put in place to ensure smooth traffic handling and minimal hindrance.
Cover image adapted from: Penang Press via Facebook, PLUS