Silicon island link by 2028
Building the future: The temporary steel bridge provides access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd
GEORGE TOWN: A 380m-long coastal bridge connecting the southern coast of Penang island to the emerging Silicon Island is expected to be ready by the end of 2028.
With four lanes in each direction, the bridge is designed to meet future transportation needs and support the development of the man-made island, which will house the proposed Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and Green Tech Park.
The bridge is also a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A), a strategic initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who disclosed this yesterday, said the contract for the bridge project had been awarded and construction will begin this month.
He said phase one is targeted for completion by mid-2027 to support the opening of Silicon Island's first operational factory, with full commissioning expected at the end of the following year.
'In the meantime, a temporary steel bridge has been built to provide access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island, which now spans 64.75ha of the intended 931ha.
Phase One of the island with a total of 64.75ha reclaimed to date. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd
'It helps expedite the mobilisation of machinery and workers who used boats before this. This is a model development,' Chow said during a visit to the Silicon Island project site.
The visit included a preview of the designated areas for the Mutiara Line LRT depot and Green Tech Park, which are gradually taking shape.
Chow said work on the LRT project will begin once the Notice to Proceed is issued to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS) in several weeks' time.
'Preliminary work, including soil testing and placement of infrastructure, are being carried out,' he added.
It was reported that construction of the Mutiara Line LRT would begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The 29.5km Mutiara Line, targeted for delivery in December 2031, will feature 21 strategically located stations to improve connectivity between the island and mainland.
Chow also said a new community facility, Medan Selera Matang, was being built in Permatang Damar Laut overlooking Silicon Island.
It will feature a village community management council hall, fishermen's one-stop service centre, food stalls, restaurants and storage sheds for fishermen.
For the initial water supply needs of Silicon Island, a suction tank and pump house will be built.
The total construction cost for the community facilities, pump house and suction tank is estimated at RM36mil.
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