THE JELUTONG EXPRESSWAY begins from Jalan Udini (near the island-side interchange of the Penang Bridge and ends at the Weld Quay/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong intersection in Georgetown, leading to Komtar.

The following are some key vital statistics on the project.

* Design speed: 80 km/hr

* Minimum R.O.W.: 50 metres

* No. of interchanges: 5

* Total length of link roads: 2.735 km (*R. 0. W - 40 metres)

* Construction period (expressway only): 3 years (*R. 0. W = right of way)

Perhaps the most vital point of all is this: the Jelutong Expressway is a privatised project which will be developed at no cost to Malaysian taxpayers. In the spirit of Malaysia Inc, the project's development cost (which includes squatter compensation, land acquisition and land reclamation) will be borne by Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd (JDSB), a member of IJM Corporation Berhad. In return, JDSB acquires 324.9 acres of land partly existing but mainly reclaimed from the sea.

The following are some key data on the land development project.-

Total area for development: 324.9 acres

Existing land: approximately 50 acres

Land to be reclaimed: 274.9 acres

No. of low and low-medium cost housing units (RM25,000 - RM50,000 type): 5,500 units

Other residential units: 4,630 units

Industrial and commercial development: 17.6 million sq ft

Total nett built-up area residential, commercial,industrial, etc): 28,305,288 sq ft

As decided by the Penang State Government, no toll will be collected for the Jelutong Expressway which will be designed and constructed to Public Works Department (JKR)standards. Moreover, JDSB will maintain the expressway for two years after it is completed. JDSB will also guarantee the expressway design for seven years. There will be five interchanges along the expressway - at junctions to Jalan Udini, Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim (Batu Lanchang), Jalan Sungai Pinang, Gat Lebuh Macallum and Weld Quay/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong. JDSB will ensure that the design life for these interchanges is 20 years following construction; while that of intersections is ensured for 10 years following construction.

When the Jelutong Expressway is completed, the projected travelling time by road from Komtar to the Penang Bridge (or vice-versa) could be around five minutes. However, this short travelling time is but one of many major socioeconomic benefits which will be generated by this project.