MIRI: The RM450 million Marina Bridge connecting the city centre to Kampung Pulau Melayu here will reduce travel time from 25 minutes to just five.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 60-foot-tall cable-stayed bridge will share a similar design with the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, which has earned the nickname “San Francisco bridge” of Malaysia.
He noted that the new link will serve as an alternative route and help ease congestion at the Piasau area, which currently connects Kampung Pulau Melayu to the mainland.
“Miri has long been referred to as Sarawak’s resort city in the north. To become a true resort city, it must be equipped with the right infrastructure, just like other popular tourist destinations.
“This bridge is not only functional, but iconic. Its approach will span a long elevated road starting from Pulau Melayu, rising 60 feet and descending into the Marina area.
“With a design resembling the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, Sarawak will add another scenic route that enhances its appeal to visitors,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Marina Bridge here today (Jul 22).
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said the project forms part of a larger plan to develop a looped infrastructure network across northern Sarawak.
To encourage more tourist exploration in Miri, he said a satellite town will be developed in Beraya, including a mini resort area to serve visitors en route to the Niah Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“We will also build a major road from the Miri Golf Course to Marudi. From there, we will develop the road network connecting Marudi to Baram, Long Terawan, and Mulu UNESCO World Heritage Site, eventually linking to Gunung Muda in Limbang.
“From Limbang, a cable-stayed bridge will connect to Bandar Seri Begawan. A new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex will be established at Pendam, and once the link is complete, the travel time to Bandar Seri Begawan will be just 15 minutes,” he said.
