Penang LRT bridge portion open tender targeted Oct

MRT Corp is targeting to launch the open tender for the proposed bridge portion of Penang’s Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) this October, Bernama reports, with CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim saying that the design stage has been completed and that the company is now awaiting the relevant authorities’ approval.

“The bridge design has been carefully developed to provide maximum flexibility for the port industry in Penang to grow, especially considering the economic significance of the sector alongside tourism.

“We have held discussions with the Penang Port Commission to ensure the rail bridge will not obstruct maritime routes,” he added. The possibility of Penang Port being upgraded to a fully-fledged container port, both at North Port and South Port, must be considered, he said.

The proposed bridge alignment will span between Butterworth’s North and South ports, necessitating careful long-term planning to accommodate future port expansion.

“Our bridge will be 62 metres above sea level, which is taller than the first Penang Bridge, but still within limits to avoid interfering with aviation pathways.

“For safety, fencing will be installed along the bridge, which will also feature a pedestrian crossing linking Butterworth to Komtar on the island,” Mohd Zarif said, adding that MRT Corp sees the need for four LRT lines covering both Penang Island and Seberang Perai to deliver full connectivity and long-term efficiency.

Transport minister Anthony Loke said last month that construction of Penang’s Mutiara Line LRT will start within July-August. First talked about in 2015, the 29.5-km Mutiara Line LRT will connect Penang’s island and mainland through 21 stations.

Expected to be completed by 2030, the project was taken over by the federal government in early-2024. In its original form, the LRT project on the island was planned to connect the Komtar complex with the Penang International Airport in the south of the island. This has recently been stretched northward towards Tanjung Bungah, while the proposed underground link in George Town has been scrapped.

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