Balik Pulau Hill RoadAlmost completed viaduct of the Balik Pulau Hill Road (16 February 2013)


Balik Pulau Hill Road is the road linking Pekan Genting in Balik Pulau with Teluk Kumbar. It connects Jalan Teluk Kumbar with Jalan Balik Pulau. Once a winding hill road, an upgrading project was undertaken to reduce the number of sharp cornerings.

The upgrading of the Balik Pulau Hill Road involves the construction of six viaducts. This cuts the total distance from 4.5 km to just 3.3 km, reducing travel time from 25 minutes to just 15 minutes. It is Package 2B of a three-package project for the public infrastructure improvement from Bayan Lepas to Balik Pulau.

Map of Balik Pulau Hill Road

Dashcam view of Balik Pulau Hill Road

Balik Pulau Hill Road, from Teluk Kumbar to Balik Pulau (14 July 2018)

The Balik Pulau Hill Road upgrading project commenced in April 2005 and was expected to cost RM57 million. Unfortunately, the original contractor entrusted with the project abandoned it. A new contractor had to be appointed to take over the project. Still the project was not completed even after the new contractor was given the third extension to the deadline.

At time of writing (January 2012), close to seven years after the project commence, about 25% of the road remains incomplete, though some of the viaducts have been opened to traffic. These afford splendid views of the West Coast Plains as well as Pulau Betong.

The completion of the Balik Pulau Hill Road is expected to spur development of Balik Pulau, which is presently enjoying a residential property boom. The road will make property in Balik Pulau more attractive, raising real estate prices.

Completed viaduct of Balik Pulau Hill RoadCompleted viaduct of Balik Pulau Hill Road (30 October 2011)


One of the completed viaductsAlmost completed viaduct of the One of the completed viaducts (30 October 2011)

Balik Pulau Hill Road under construction

Old Balik Pulau Hill Road, with view of new Balik Pulau Hill Road viaductOld Balik Pulau Hill Road, with view of new Balik Pulau Hill Road viaduct (9 April 2011)


View of the Balik Pulau Hill Road viaduct from the old roadView of the Balik Pulau Hill Road viaduct from the old road (9 April 2011)


Advantages of Elevated Hill Roads

This article from AnakPinang examines the advantages of elevated hill roads, compared to winding hill roads.

Details

List of Streets in Penang and Streets in Malaysia



Timothy Tye
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