The iconic drawbridge which currently under construction at the estuary of the Terengganu river, linking Kuala Terengganu City Centre to Kuala Nerus via Seberang Takir, will be a new state landmark when completed in March 2017.

Ahmad Fuad Sulaiman, the general manager of the Terengganu East Coast Economic Region (ECER), said construction work on the RM240 million, 638m drawbridge, flanked by two four-storey towers began in August last year.

“This unique bridge which can be lifted for ships to pass through, is the first in Asia. Both towers will each house an exclusive restaurant with an observation tower and a hall.

“The public will be able to rent the halls for official functions,  exhibitions or wedding ceremonies,” he told Bernama at the ground breaking and declaration ceremony of the Kuala Nerus district administrative centre by the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin today.

Ahmad Fuad said the bridge would shorten the journey from Kuala Terengganu to the Sultan Mahmud Airport to approximately 10 minutes via a coastal road which would be built by the state government soon.

He said that the drawbridge would also reduce traffic congestion on the Sultan Mahmud bridge caused by the rapid development in Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus.

Ahmad Fuad said the drawbridge was expected to be completed and ready by March 2017 and managed by the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT).

- Bernama