Merdeka Bridge, Malaysia

Merdeka Bridge is a major bridge in Malaysia. It is situated in Jalan Butterworth-Sungai Petani at the Penang-Kedah Border on Muda River.

Etymology

The word Merdeka means "independence" in Malay. The bridge was named by Minister of Works and Communications Sardon Jubir to commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

History

Merdeka Bridge was constructed between 1955 and 1956. The bridge was officially opened by Tunku Abdul Rahman in 6 April 1956. The bridge was initially a 2-lane single carriageway bridge before being duplicated on another side for Penang-bound traffic to increase traffic capacity.

Features

Merdeka Bridge is a set of twin concrete tied arch bridges. Each bridge contains two motor vehicle drive lanes. The older bridge have two pedestrian walkways while the newer bridge only have one.