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The Penang Bridge ('''''Jambatan Pulau Pinang''''' in Malay ) is a dual-carriageway Toll Bridge that connects Gelugor on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula . The bridge is also linked to the North-South Expressway in Prai and Jelutong Expressway in Penang. It was officially opened to traffic on September 14 1985 . The total length of the bridge is 13.5 km (8.4 miles), making it Among The Longest Bridges In The World as well as a national landmark. PLUS Expressway Berhad is the concession holder who manages it. Before 1985, transportation between the island and the mainland was solely dependent on the state-owned Penang Ferry Service that runs between Butterworth and George Town . Similar to the Ferry services in Penang, motorists only need to pay the toll fare while heading to the island. There is no charge for leaving the island. Currently, the Penang Bridge is being expanded from 4 lanes to 6 lanes to accommodate the increasing traffic on the bridge. A proposal for a second bridge, the Penang Second Bridge , has been approved by the government and included as one of the Ninth Malaysia Plan national projects. According to official news, construction work of the new Penang Second Bridge will be start on Nov 2007, and target completion before end of the year 2010. HISTORY Chronology
BRIDGE SPECIFICATIONS
FEATURES The bridge has an SOS emergency feature and traffic CCTV. The Gelugor Complex Interchange is the largest highway interchange in Malaysia. TOLL RATES Since 1985, Penang Bridge has been a Tolled Bridge . The first concession was a government body, the Malaysian Highway Authority . Since 1993, toll collection has been undertaken by a private concession company, ''Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd''. However, On 1 September 2003 , this company became a member of PLUS Expressway Berhad . This table below is a list of toll rates for various vehicles crossing the bridge:- :Note: Touch 'n Go is also available for light vehicles and motorcycles. Smart TAG lane are for light vehicles only. As part of the concessionaire's initiative to increase use of the more efficient electronic payment system, user with Touch 'n Go card (and Smart TAG) issued from Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd office will receive a 20% discount on the Penang Bridge toll. LIST OF INTERCHANGES This is a list of interchanges of the Penang Bridge. INTERESTING FACTS
MAJOR EVENTS Penang Bridge International Marathon The Penang Bridge International Marathon is held every year since 1985. The premier run in Malaysia to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the opening of Penang Bridge, the Penang Bridge International Marathon, had been held on July 30, 2006 in Penang. The run will be held again on 24 June 2007. Participants ran over the third longest bridge in the world - the Penang Bridge - and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours. The biggest run in the country incorporates a marathon, a half-marathon and a quarter-marathon. The Run catered both to serious runners and amateur ones. It promoted healthy living and built a sense of community. This is in addition to trophies, finisher medals, certificates and prizes donated by sponsors. In the past, this has included air tickets, hotel stays and household electrical goods. The run was jointly organised by the Municipal Council of Penang Island (''Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang'') and Malaysian Highway Authority with the co-operation of the Penang Government, the Penang Amateur Athletic Association, the Penang Youth and Sports Department , University Science Malaysia , Penang Tourism Action Council and Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd. ''For more information see also Penang Bridge International Marathon website '' SEE ALSO
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