GEORGE TOWN, Feb 26 ― Motorists using the second Penang bridge can expect to pay higher toll rates than the first link but will not be charged more than RM10, concessionaire Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) said today.
JKSB managing director Datuk Dr Ismail Mohamed Taib said the firm had initially asked to match the rate with that of the first bridge link at RM7 but the Malaysian Highway Authority proposed a higher amount.
“The rate will still be below RM10 but it will be able above RM7. For example, it could be RM8.50,” he told the press at a media briefing session today at the Batu Kawan toll booth leading to the newly completed bridge.
He added that the final decision on the toll rate will be announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when he officiates the bridge’s opening this Saturday.
The new bridge, which had cost RM4.5 billion to construct, is 24km long ― almost double the length of the first bridge that measures at 13.5km.
Construction on the second bridge started in November 2008 and was initially scheduled for completion in May 2011 but was delayed several times until it was finally completed this month.
Last year, a section of a ramp leading to the bridge in Batu Maung collapsed, killing a passing motorist and construction works had to be temporarily stopped to probe the incident.
JKSB said it had also initially proposed that the bridge be made toll-free for the first month of its opening but the proposal is expected to be shot down.
“Maybe they will let us make it toll-free for a week in conjunction with the opening but not for a month as the first bridge concessionaire may complain that this will affect their toll collection,” Ismail said.
The second bridge, which is the longest in the country, is expected to relieve traffic congestion on the first bridge as south-bound commuters will likely use the second link.
It connects Batu Maung on the island to Batu Kawan, which is the southern side of the mainland.
“We are expecting about 25,000 vehicles to use the bridge daily, which is about 25 per cent of the average traffic plying the first bridge daily now,” Ismail said.
He added that JKSB hopes to cover its construction cost through toll collection over a decade.
If toll rate is set at RM7, the bridge will need 100,000 vehicles on the road daily to to break even within 10 years.
Although the bridge will be open to traffic from March 2, connecting roads on the island may not be able to sustain the increased traffic flow to the Batu Maung and Bayan Lepas area where the industrial zone and the Penang International Airport is located.
Ismail said there may be a bottleneck at the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway, at Bayan Lepas and at Batu Maung.
“This will only be temporary as we will be upgrading and widening these feeder roads to and from the bridge, “ he said.
