Penang Bridge set to be widened

Published: September 22, 2004

Plans have been announced to add two extra lanes to Malaysia’s 13.5km Penang Bridge. Widening the bridge from four to six lanes would meet the immediate need to increase traffic capacity between Penang Island and the mainland.

The bridge is operated by a concession company Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd (PDSB). Malaysia’s governement and PDSB are negotiating the funding arrangements for the proposed expansion.

Traffic volume increased 1.5% in the latest financial year, to 19.1 million passenger car units per kilometre. It has consistently exceeded the theoretical maximum of 18.25 million PCU/km since 2001.

Rating Agency Malaysia this week reaffirmed Penang Bridge’s favourable rating based on a strong financial position and its strategic role as concessionaire for the sole road link to the island. However the agency pointed out that a second link to Penang is one of the goverment's proposals under the 9th Malaysia Plan, subject to a feasibility study being conducted. The prospect of a second crossing remains a threat to PBSB, said the agency.

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