Second Penang Bridge chalks up several firsts

To be opened by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak tonight, the longest bridge in Southeast-Asia boasts of several engineering feats

GEORGE TOWN: It is billed as the longest and most modern bridge in the region. Costing an estimated RM4.5 billion, the Second Penang Bridge has chalked up several ‘firsts’.

By the time, it is opened by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak tonight (March 1), around 10,000 motorists will be lining up to drive through the 24km-long bridge, the longest in Southeast-Asia.

There are also several engineering feats on the curvy bridge which links Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan on the mainland.

One is the ability to withstand a minor earthquake and the curved road design discourages drivers from stopping their vehicles along the route.

This is also to prevent those with suicidal tendencies from jumping off the bridge. There are also 33 CCTVs and 15 electronic boards for safety and security reasons.

However, the Second Penang Bridge may not function as effectively as envisioned after it was learnt that four road projects to disperse traffic from the bridge have yet to be completed.

This may lead to mounting congestions on both ends of Batu Maung and Batu Kawan.

Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (JKPP)’s managing director Dr Ismail Mohamed Taib said there is possibility of jams because the upgrading of the feeder roads have yet to be completed.

His view was shared by State Local Government and Traffic Management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow who said authorities may need to mobilise more personnel to coordinate traffic flow.

Congestion reduced 

The uncompleted projects are the upgrading of Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, building an elevated highway from the bridge along the Lim Chong Eu expressway to the Queensbay Mall and widening of roads from Bayan Lepas to Teluk Kumbar as well as a dispersal link from Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan.

The projects are expected to be completed next year. This has irked former Batu Uban assemblyman S Raveentharan, who said the bridge should be opened when the feeder roads are completed.

“Now, it may cause more congestion, especially since many folks will eager to try out the new bridge. I wonder if the narrow roads can withstand the flow,” said Raveentharan.

“Once again, the relevant authorities are unable to conduct proper planning or possess the foresight to realise issues such as congestion,” he added.

The bridge will likely become a permanent asset for Penang, but if it attracts more congestion than ever, the people here, who are wary of the daily gridlock, may not warm up to the giant infrastructure.

Meanwhile, outspoken Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak, said the bridge revolved around two packages.

“Perhaps bureaucracy or politics have seeped in, as only the package of the bridge is ready, while the others, such as the feeder roads have yet to be completed.

“Ideally, both packages should be ready at the same time,” said Rahmad. “We appeal to the federal and state sides to expedite the completion as it is no point in having another bridge which is congested.

“We are just shifting the traffic jams to another area, we are not resolving it holistically. There is a need to ensure that congestion is reduced as road users are getting fed up with the rate of jams.”