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New pride of Penang

By ZALINAH NOORDIN
zalinah@thestar.com.my Photos by GARY CHEN

The 24km-long second Penang bridge is 54% completed and it is on track to be completed by Nov, 2013, said former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He said this assurance was given by the host of contractors involved in constructing the super structure linking Batu Maung on the island to Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.

Abdullah also said that the project would also incorporate a uniquely designed technology known as High Damping Rubber Bearing (HDRB). The RM4.5bil project is the first to use the HDRB technology which is designed to withstand the effects of earthquakes.

“HDRB is an innovative tool to protect not only the structure but also the materials and contents inside the structure,” Abdullah said. “This feature is useful for critical structures as it can stand the test of time. “I am also proud that the HRDB is designed by a Malaysian and like all Penangites, I am eagerly awaiting the completion of the bridge.

“The bridge will definitely be breathtaking,” he said. He was speaking after attending a briefing session on the bridge’s progress work at the China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC) (M) Sdn Bhd office in Batu Maung yesterday. Present was Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Ismail Mohamed Taib.

Abdullah also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the construction which comprised five packages including the RM2.2bil substructure by China-based CHEC and the RM1.5bil superstructure by Malaysia’s own UEM Builders Bhd. The three main contractors for overland connections are Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd (for the RM67mil Batu Maung link), IJM Corp Bhd (RM350mil Batu Kawan link) and HRA Teguh Sdn Bhd (RM152mil link to North-South Highway).

The bridge is set to be the longest in South-East Asia.