14 September - Penang Bridge the longest bridge in Malaysia opens to traffic in 1985

 

The Penang Bridge, the longest bridge in Malaysia at the time of its completion, officially opened to traffic on 14 September 1985. This iconic structure connects Penang Island to the mainland of Malaysia, specifically the seaboard town of Perai on the mainland in Seberang Perai. Spanning 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles), it is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Malaysia, facilitating transportation and boosting economic activity between Penang and the mainland.

Background:

The idea for the Penang Bridge was proposed in the 1960s, with the goal of improving connectivity between Penang, a key economic hub, and the mainland. Prior to the bridge, the only way to travel between the island and mainland was by ferry. Construction of the bridge began in 1982 under the guidance of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was built by the Korean company Hyundai Engineering and Construction.

Design and Structure:

The Penang Bridge is a dual carriageway toll bridge that features a cable-stayed section in the middle to allow for the passage of ships underneath. Its design has become one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in Malaysia. The total length of the bridge is 13.5 kilometers, with 8.4 kilometers over water, making it the longest bridge in Southeast Asia at the time of its completion.

Impact:

The opening of the Penang Bridge dramatically improved travel time between Penang Island and the mainland, leading to increased trade, tourism, and development in the region. It continues to be a crucial link in Penang’s infrastructure, handling a significant volume of daily traffic.

Further Development:

To address growing traffic congestion, a second bridge, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, was completed in 2014. This second bridge is even longer, at 24 kilometers, and further enhances the connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland.

The Penang Bridge remains an engineering marvel and a symbol of Malaysia’s progress in infrastructure development.