Penang Bridge

Penang is a popular tourist destination, even for locals who want to get away for an idyllic holiday of sea, sun and food.

The above is an image of the Penang Bridge (courtesy of The Star). It is a dual carriageway toll bridge that connects George Town on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula.

The bridge is also linked to the North-South Expressway in Prai and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang. It was officially opened to traffic on September 14, 1985. The total length of the bridge is 13.5 km (8.4 mi), making it the longest bridge in Malaysia and the fourth longest in Southeast Asia. The bridge was designed by Penang resident, Professor Chin Fung Kee, a well known civil engineer. Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PBSB) is the concession holder which manages it.

Currently, Penang Bridge handles 65,000 vehicles daily. It has a capacity of handling 85,000 vehicles daily. The bridge has been expanded from 4 to 6 lanes to accommodate increasing traffic on the bridge. Construction of the new Penang Second Bridge is underway. Beginning since November 2008, the second bridge is expected to be completed in 2013.


Source: Wikipedia