Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge is part of the multiple projects for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER). It is the first drawbridge built in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, constructed by Zelan Construction Sdn Bhd at a cost of RM248 million. Construction began in August 2014 and was completed in mid-2019. This drawbridge is also a component in the development of the Kuala Terengganu City Council (KTCC).[1][2]
Design
Cars on the Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge heading towards the city.
The bridge's design was inspired by London Tower Bridge in London. The drawbridge has a 23-metre-wide single-carriageway that spans 638 metres over the mouth of Terengganu River.[2] It connects Muara Selatan (South Bank), a reclaimed area in the Kuala Terengganu city centre, near Tanjung, and Muara Utara (North Bank) in Seberang Takir. It has a 12.5-metre clearance above water when the double-leafed span is closed. The clear span of the drawbridge is 50 metres long.[3]
There are four 15-storey, 89.1 metres high towers, with each set of two towers connected by a skybridge.[4] The towers are also contained with lobbies that allow visitors to go up to the commercial areas located at the sky bridges. At night, the structures are lit up with colourful illuminations.[5] The drawbridge also allows users to cut their travelling time between Sultan Mahmud Airport as well as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and Kuala Terengganu by about 15 minutes. A four-lane coastal road was also built to connect the bridge with Kuala Nerus.[6]
A view of Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge from the observatory in one of the towers.
Opening
The view of the towers of the drawbridge
The bridge was opened for trial from 2 to 17 June, during the Aidilfitri festive season. After a short closing period to allow other tests and improvement work to be carried out, it was fully opened for motor vehicles and pedestrians on 1 August 2019.[7]
