Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (known prevously as Penang Second Bridge) is the longest bridge in Malaysia. In fact, it is also the longest bridge in Southeast Asia.
The bridge is designed based on the double “S” curvy concept due to the geological reasons. The numerous “S”-like curves along the 24 km stretch are a requirement under the Road Safety Audit. It was to help motorists keep their attention on the road while driving.
The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge is the longest bridge in the world installed with High Damping Natural Rubber (HDNR) Bearing, an effective seismic isolation system that enables the bridge to withstand far field earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale. The bridge is the first in Malaysia to be installed with seismic expansion joints, which will allow movements during an earthquake.
Bridge specifications:
Overall length: 24 km (15 mi)
Length over water: 16.9 km (10.5 mi)
Main span: Length – 250 m
Height clearance (above water): 30 m
Number of vehicle lanes: 2 + 1 for motorcycles (each direction)
Targeted date to be opened to the public: 2 March 2014
Overall cost: RM 4.5 Billion
Average time taken to drive from Batu Kawan to Batu Maung: 20 mins
Proposed speed limit on bridge: 80 km/h (50 mph)
Percentage of local contents to be used: 60%
The project is being delivered by a special purpose Concession Company formed by the Government of Malaysia, Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB).
The bridge measuring a total of 24 km in length is being constructed by UEM Builders Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the UEM Group Malaysia, as well as China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), a subsidiary of the China Construction & Communications Group (CCCG). Construction of the
bridge, linking Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on Penang Island, began in November 2008.
The opening ceremony of the Penang Second Bridge was held at 20:30 MST at Saturday night on 1 March 2014 and was officially opened by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak. The bridge was official named as Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge after the fourteen Yang di-Pertuan Agong,Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah of Kedah. At Sunday midnight on 2 March 2014, the bridge was opened to traffic at 00:01 MST after the official opening ceremony.
