 DRIVING over the Penang Bridge, few pay attention to what goes on under it. On the island side, one would find rows of docked fishing boats bobbing gently while, nearby, anglers banter over bait and try their luck. Couples could be found enjoying the scenic coastline and cool sea breeze while families gathered around picnic baskets, admiring the spectacular architecture of the bridge. Officially opened to traffic on September 14, 1985, the Penang Bridge is the brainchild of the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. It is a dual-carriageway toll bridge that connects Gelugor on the island and Seberang Jaya on the mainland. Measured at 13.5 km, with 8.4km over water, it is among the longest bridges in the world. The four towers in the middle span 101.5 metres tall, and the bridge hovers 33 metres above water. It was built to withstand earthquakes up to 7.5 on the Richter scale. Its distinctive design and features saw the Penang Bridge win many accolades and awards. It was designed by a well-known Penang resident and civil engineer, Professor Chin Fung Kee, and co-constructed by a South Korean company, Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company and United Engineers Malaysia Berhad. A state and national landmark, and an internationally-recognised architectural and engineering marvel, it is also known for hosting the Penang International Bridge Marathon since 1985. This is the one of a few times of the year when the bridge is closed to traffic for several hours. It is the biggest run in country and caters to veterans and amateurs, locals and internationals. The Penang Bridge handles 70,000 vehicles daily, with the number exceeding its maximum capacity of 100,000 on some days. It has recently expanded from four lanes to six lanes to accommodate increasing traffic. References Related articles Click through pictures for slideshow.
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