An agreement was signed at a ceremony on Friday, which also included the signing of a contract for the construction to be carried out by a joint venture of China Harbour Engineering and UEM Construction. This is expected to kickstart surveys, soil investigations and construction. The 23km bridge, which includes 17km over the sea, will carry two traffic lanes plus a motorcycle lane in each direction. Opening is due in 2011, though UEM's managing director indicated that an earlier completion may be possible.