Penang Bridge

Penang Bridge is a dual-carriageway toll bridge that connects Gelugor on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula. The bridge is also linked to the Norht-South Expressway in Prai and Jelutong Expressway inPenang . The total length of the bridge is 8.4 miles, making it among the longest bridges in the world, the longest bridge in the country as well as a national landmark. PLUS Expressway Berhad is the concession holder which manages it. 

The Penang Bridge is no doubt one of the many architecture wonders of Penang. Ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world, the iconic bridge that took 5 years to complete was the beloved bridge for every Penangtes. It marks the new milestone that brings Penang closer to the world attention. 

With the price tag of $629 million and revised for few more times up to $850 million, Penang Bridge are projected to transport up to 50,000 commuter in and out of the island. About $525 million was for the bridge itself, $180 million for the interchanges on the Prai side, and more than $30 million for land reclamation, compensation for landowner and others. The bridge has an overall length of 13.5km, four towers in mid span his 101.5 metres tall, and is 33 metres above water. The total length of piling for the bridge is 648km, equal to the distance from Butterworth to Johor Bahru. It can withstand earthquake up to 7.5 on the Richter scale. 

More than 2300 people were involved in the construction, including about 800 South Koreans from the main contractor, Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. Sadly to say, twenty workers loss their life during the construction. Between 1981 and 1985, Penangtes waited eagerly as the bridge construction took shape over the horizon.