Penang bridge IN MALAYSIA
The Penang Bridge is a 13.5km (8.4-mile) dual carriageway toll bridge and controlled-access highway in the state of Penang, Malaysia. The bridge connects Butterworth on the mainland side of the state with Gelugor on the island, crossing the Selatan Strait. The bridge was inaugurated on 14 September 1985 and it is the first road connection between the peninsula and the island. The bridge is well known as the second-longest bridge in Malaysia and the fifth-longest in Southeast Asia by total length, with a length over water of 8.4 kilometres (5.2 miles). The current concession holder and maintainer of the bridge is PLUS Expressways.
LENGTH (KM)
CONSTRUCTION YEAR
LENGTH OVER WATER (KM)
CONSTRUCTION COST (RINGGIT MALAYSIA)
SPEED LIMIT (KM/H)
LONGEST BRIDGE IN MALAYSIA
Gallery
HISTORY OF PENANG BRIDGE
The Penang Bridge is a 13.5 kilometre dual lane carriageway toll bridge and a controlled-access highway in the state of Penang, Malaysia. The bridge connects to Perai which is the mainland side of the state and with Gelugor on the island, crossing the Penang Strait. The bridge is the first and the only road connection between the peninsula and the island. Did you know that it is also the second-longest bridge in Malaysia and the fifth-longest in Southeast Asia by total length, with a length over water of 8.4 kilometres! What a proud creation for the nation!
Because of how Penang economy was growing rapidly, and causing a congestion on the Ferry terminal. The whole traffic condition in Penang was in deep chaos as well during the 1950s. And during that time, Ferry is viewed as the only available transportation to connect from Penang Island to the Mainland. The people started to suggest in extending the ferry’s service, build a tunnel and even a bridge. And they hope that , with the construction of a bridge, it will help to ease out the ridiculous jams and also brings business by promoting the island. On 23 July 1981, Work Minister S. Samy Velu announced that the Penang Bridge would be constructed by using the cable-stayed concrete girder of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge instead of the steel-tied arch in the style of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And this marks the start of massive construction projects that will be implemented. Dr Mahathir then sank the first pile of cement in April 1982 to kick off the grand projects and the dream of having a bridge in Penang has finally becomes a reality.
Taking shape: A photo supplied by Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd showing Penang Bridge construction work in progress
Historic day: The first and only dinner held on Penang Bridge prior to its public opening (circa 1987). Picture by retired engineer Freddie Ng.
Quick Facts:
Connecting: Seberang Perai ~ George Town
Main bridge: Cable-stayed bridge with beam and slab deck
Approach: Beam and slab deck bridge
Main navigation span: 107.5 m + 225 m +107.5 m
Architect: Chin Fung Kee
Born: 1920, MalaysiaDied: August 29, 1990
Chin Fung Kee was a respected and outstanding Malaysian civil engineer in engineering practice, as well as engineering research and education. He is known for his excellence in geotechnical, structural and hydraulic engineering
| Class | Type of Vehicles | Rate (Ringgit Malaysia) |
| 1 | Motorcyles | RM 1.40 |
| 2 | Motorcycles with sidecars, cars including station wagons and commercial vehicles on three wheels | RM 7.00 |
| 3 | Lorries and vans with two axles and four wheels | RM 12.00 |
| Buses with two axles and five or six wheels | RM 6.00 | |
| 4 | Lorries, vans and buses with two axles and five or six wheels | RM 25.00 |
| Buses with two axles and five or six wheels | RM 12.50 | |
| 5 | Vehicles with three axles | RM 45.00 |
| Buses with three axles | RM 22.50 | |
| 6 | Vehicles with four axles | RM 60.00 |
| 7 | Vehicles with five and more axles | RM 75.00 |