BUKIT MERTAJAM , Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon wants emergency lanes to be built on the Second Penang Bridge.

"The lanes will not only cater for emergency cases, but also can be used as alternative lanes to overcome traffic congestion on the bridge," he told reporters after launching the operations of Progenix Research Sdn Bhd here Tuesday.

He said the state government had learned from experience on the first bridge of the problems faced by motorists during heavy congestion.

"The motorists could be trapped for hours, resulting in losses in terms of time, cost and productivity," he added.

Koh was reacting to complaints on heavy congestion on the Penang Bridge since Sunday due to repair works being carried out by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and widening of the bridge which resulted in the closure of one of the lanes.

Yesterday, hundreds of motorists were trapped on the bridge during the rush hour as workers were returning home for the breaking of fast. Some arrived home late at night.

Work on the RM3 billion Second Penang Bridge will be undertaken by UEM Construction with the cooperation of a China-based company, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.

The new bridge will link Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai Selatan to Batu Maung on the island.