Penang Second Bridge

GEORGE TOWN — Maintenance of the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, better known as the Penang Second Bridge, is not only crucial for its durability but also involves significant challenges and high risks.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the 24-kilometre bridge was designed with a lifespan of up to 120 years, but to ensure its long-term resilience, meticulous and continuous maintenance is essential.

“Many see this bridge as a stunning stretch across the sea, but behind the scenes, teams of engineers and divers work tirelessly to keep the structure safe.

“For instance, protective coating on the steel fenders is vital. These act as ‘shields’ to protect the bridge piers from ship collisions and absorb impact energy,” he said in a Facebook post today.

He added that maintenance tasks include replacing corroded steel plates, mechanically removing rust and reapplying several layers of special protective coating. 

The bridge is also equipped with gondolas to allow technical teams to safely inspect the underside of the spans, while Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and expert divers are deployed for underwater inspections.

“All these efforts may go unseen by the public, but they are crucial to ensuring the safety of both land and maritime traffic in the area,” he said.

The Penang Second Bridge, once recognised as the longest in ASEAN, remains one of Malaysia’s most iconic infrastructure projects. — BERNAMA

 

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