GEORGE TOWN : The Second Penang Bridge, a project by the federal government costing RM4.5 billion, is now ready for the launching ceremony scheduled for early next month.
Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) Assistant Public Relations and Communications Manager Azizi Azizan said JKSB conducted a toll system test yesterday and that everything went well.
He said before this, various load tests had been conducted and all had gone well and met the required standards.
"After the toll system test yesterday, I am confident that the bridge is ready for the launch next month," he told Bernama when contacted today.
The 24-kilometre long bridge which is 16.9 metres above sea level and connects Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia.
Azizi said the toll plaza on the bridge had eight lanes, four of which were electronic lanes and the other four manual. When it is operating, the second bridge is expected to handle 100,000 vehicles a day and would reduce congestion on the Penang Bridge by 25 per cent.
Last April, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak became the first national leader to use the bridge to attend a function in Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai.
According to initial plans, the bridge was due to be completed last November 8 and opened to the public at the end of this month, but that date has been postponed.
Last week, Penang Chief Minister said the bridge was schedueld to be officially opened on March 1.-- BERNAMA
