Butterworth–Kulim Expressway
Overview
The Butterworth–Kulim Expressway (BKE) is a vital north–south expressway in Peninsular Malaysia, connecting the bustling town of Butterworth in Penang to Kulim in Kedah. Spanning approximately 17.7 km, the expressway was completed in 1994 and is operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad. Serving as a key artery for both commuter traffic and logistics, the BKE enhances connectivity between industrial hubs, residential areas, and major highways in northern Malaysia. Its strategic position supports trade, tourism, and everyday travel, making it an essential route for drivers in Penang and Kedah.
Route Overview
The BKE primarily runs in a north–south direction, linking Butterworth (south) to Kulim (north). Officially coded as E15, it integrates seamlessly with Malaysia’s larger expressway network, including connections to the North–South Expressway (E1) at Kulim and the Penang Bridge Highway near Butterworth. Along the route, drivers pass through both urban and semi-rural landscapes, with access points to major towns like Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam, and Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
Key Cities and Exits
The BKE features several crucial interchanges and exit points:
- Butterworth – Starting point, connecting to Penang Port and Butterworth town.
- Seberang Jaya Interchange – Access to local industrial zones, shopping centers, and residential areas.
- Bukit Mertajam Interchange – Gateway to town amenities and connecting roads.
- Kulim Interchange – Connects to the North–South Expressway (E1) and Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
These exits provide access to both local attractions and national transport links, making the BKE convenient for both commercial and leisure travelers.
Scenic Highlights
While the BKE primarily serves urban and industrial areas, travelers can enjoy glimpses of lush rubber plantations, verdant paddy fields, and distant views of the Penang Hill ranges. Early morning or late afternoon drives offer serene scenery, particularly near Bukit Mertajam, where greenery lines the expressway.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
Though relatively short, the BKE features several convenient rest stops:
- Seberang Jaya R&R – Offers petrol stations, food courts, convenience stores, and prayer rooms.
- Bukit Mertajam R&R – Includes ATMs, restrooms, and local eateries.
These stops ensure drivers can rest and refuel without leaving the expressway.
Toll Information
The BKE operates a closed toll system. Accepted payment methods include Touch ‘n Go, SmartTAG, and RFID.
Sample Toll Rates (2025):
- Butterworth ↔ Kulim: RM 2.40 (Cars)
- Butterworth ↔ Seberang Jaya: RM 1.00 (Cars)
Toll rates are regularly updated, and drivers are encouraged to check official sources before travel.
Safety & Facilities
Safety is a priority on the BKE:
- Standard speed limit: 90 km/h for most sections.
- Lanes: Dual carriageway with 2–3 lanes per direction.
- Emergency services: Patrolled by PLUSRonda, with 24/7 hotlines available for breakdowns or accidents.
- Emergency lanes are provided along the full length of the expressway.
Drivers are advised to adhere to speed limits and use lanes responsibly.
Useful Apps & Resources
For smooth travel on the BKE, consider these tools:
- PLUS Mobile App – Live traffic updates, toll info, and service alerts.
- Google Maps / Waze – Real-time navigation and congestion monitoring.
- Official PLUS Website – Toll schedules, R&R facilities, and travel advisories.
Travel Tips
- Best times to travel: Early mornings or late evenings to avoid peak traffic near Butterworth.
- Driving etiquette: Keep left unless overtaking, signal lane changes, and maintain safe distances.
- Long-distance planning: Combine BKE with the North–South Expressway for trips to Kedah or Penang Island.
Connecting Expressways
The BKE links seamlessly with:
- North–South Expressway (E1) – At Kulim, facilitating travel northward to Kedah and Perlis.
- Penang Bridge Highway (E36) – At Butterworth, providing access to Penang Island.
- Butterworth Outer Ring Road – Enhances local connectivity for industrial and residential areas.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Expressway Name | Butterworth–Kulim Expressway |
| Code | E15 |
| Total Length | 17.7 km |
| Operator | PLUS Malaysia Berhad |
| Start & End Points | Butterworth ↔ Kulim |
| States Covered | Penang, Kedah |
| Average Speed Limit | 90 km/h |
| Toll Type | Closed System |
Conclusion
The Butterworth–Kulim Expressway plays a vital role in northern Malaysia’s connectivity, linking industrial zones, urban centers, and neighboring states. Its modern facilities, efficient tolling system, and safe driving environment make it an indispensable route for commuters, logistics operators, and tourists alike. Whether for daily travel or long-distance journeys, the BKE significantly improves travel efficiency and supports Malaysia’s economic growth.
| Road Name | Road Short Name | Code | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North–South Expressway (PLUS) | North–South Expressway | PLUS / E1, E2 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| North–South Expressway Central Link | ELITE Expressway | E6 | Shah Alam – Nilai North |
| New Klang Valley Expressway | NKVE | E1 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Federal Highway | Federal Highway | E5 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Damansara–Puchong Expressway | LDP | E11 | Damansara – Puchong |
| Shah Alam Expressway | KESAS | E5 | Sri Petaling – Pandamaran |
| New Pantai Expressway | NPE | E10 | Subang – Bangsar |
| Maju Expressway | MEX | E20 | Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya |
| Kajang Dispersal Link | SILK | E18 | Kajang – Semenyih |
| Kajang–Seremban Highway | LEKAS | E21 | Kajang – Seremban |
| South Klang Valley Expressway | SKVE | E26 | Pulau Indah – Kajang |
| Guthrie Corridor Expressway | GCE | E35 | Shah Alam – Rawang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway | KLK | E8 | Gombak – Karak |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 1 | LPT1 | E8 | Karak – Kuantan |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 2 | LPT2 | E8 | Kuantan – Kuala Nerus |
| Butterworth–Kulim Expressway | BKE | E15 | Butterworth – Kulim |
| Penang Bridge | Penang Bridge | E36 | Gelugor – Perai |
| Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge | Second Penang Bridge | E28 | Batu Maung – Batu Kawan |
| Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link | EDL | E14 | Pandan – CIQ Johor |
| Senai–Desaru Expressway | SDE | E22 | Senai – Desaru |
| Second Link Expressway | Linkedua | E3 | Senai – Tuas (Singapore) |
| Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway | KL–Seremban | E37 | Kuala Lumpur – Seremban |
| Cheras–Kajang Expressway | Grand Saga | E7 | Cheras – Kajang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Putrajaya Expressway | MEX | E20 | KL – Putrajaya – KLIA |
| West Coast Expressway | WCE | E32 | Taiping – Banting |
| Central Spine Road | CSR | – | Bentong – Kuala Krai |
| Federal Route 1 | Federal Route 1 | FT1 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 2 | Federal Route 2 | FT2 | Port Klang – Kuantan |
| Federal Route 3 | Federal Route 3 | FT3 | Johor Bahru – Rantau Panjang |
| Federal Route 4 | Federal Route 4 | FT4 | Gerik – Jeli |
| Federal Route 5 | Federal Route 5 | FT5 | Ipoh – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 8 | Federal Route 8 | FT8 | Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu |
| Federal Route 9 | Federal Route 9 | FT9 | Karak – Tampin |
| Federal Route 10 | Federal Route 10 | FT10 | Temerloh – Gemas |
| Federal Route 24 | Federal Route 24 | FT24 | Muar – Yong Peng |
| Federal Route 50 | Federal Route 50 | FT50 | Batu Pahat – Kluang – Jemaluang |
| Federal Route 51 | Federal Route 51 | FT51 | Melaka City – Alor Gajah |
| Federal Route 54 | Federal Route 54 | FT54 | Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor |
| Federal Route 76 | Federal Route 76 | FT76 | Kuala Kangsar – Baling – Kulim |
| Federal Route 67 | Federal Route 67 | FT67 | Sungai Petani – Kuala Ketil |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) | Pan Borneo Sabah | AH150 / PBHS | Kota Kinabalu – Tawau |
| Kimanis–Keningau Highway | Kimanis–Keningau Road | – | Kimanis – Keningau |
| Kota Belud–Ranau Road | Kota Belud–Ranau | – | Coastal – Interior link |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sarawak) | Pan Borneo Sarawak | AH150 / PBHS | Telok Melano – Miri |
| Kuching–Serian Road | Kuching–Serian | – | Kuching – Serian |
| Bintulu–Miri Coastal Road | Bintulu–Miri Coastal | – | Bintulu – Miri |
| Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Expressway | KBKK Expressway | KBKK | Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Overall) | Pan Borneo Highway | PBH | Across Sabah & Sarawak |
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