GEORGE TOWN: A 380-metre marine viaduct connecting the southern coast of Penang island to the emerging Silicon Island is expected to be opened to the public by December 2028.

It will feature four lanes in each direction. The bridge will serve as a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) – a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, while supporting Penang’s long-term urban growth.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the contract for the bridge has been awarded to a company.

“Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with the first phase targeted for completion by mid-2027 to support the opening of Silicon Island’s first operational factory.

“Final construction and full commissioning are expected to be completed by the end of 2028,” he told newsmen after leading a delegation for a site visit via a temporary steel bridge to inspect progress on the Silicon Island, which now spans 160 acres (64.75 ha) here today.

The bridge is built next to the proposed marine viaduct.

Construction for the 378-metre bridge, which began in August 2024 and was completed in March this year, is meant to provide temporary access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island.

“This temporary bridge is an important connection to expedite reclamation works at Silicon Island. With the temporary bridge, it will expedite the mobilisation of machinery and workers compared with using boats before this,” he added.

The visit included a preview of the designated areas for the future Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) depot and Green Tech Park, both of which are gradually taking shape as part of the state’s innovation-driven development plans.

Chow said full swing work for the depot would begin once the Notice to Proceed has been issued to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS) in a matter of weeks. Preliminary works, which include soil testing and placement of infrastructure, are being carried out.

Chow said that while the project had faced challenges, they have been addressed systematically.

“Any issues raised will be addressed promptly. It is a model development where many people came to visit to see how we overcome issues like the environment, fishermen’s concerns and such,” he said.

During a visit to Penang in May 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the federal government would allocate additional funding to help expedite the state’s proposed Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) project.

At the time, he also requested that the state government scale down the scope of the reclamation project.

The Penang Silicon Island initiative is projected to generate a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) impact of RM1.1 trillion, attract total investments amounting to RM74.7 billion, and create some 220,000 job opportunities.