December 12, 2025
PENANG today celebrated another milestone in its urban transformation with the official opening of the iconic Gurney Bridge, a signature eight-lane link connecting Gurney Bay to Andaman Island.
The ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who described the project as a meaningful step forward in the state’s long-term vision for improved mobility, sustainable placemaking, and future-ready planning.
Designed as a landmark along the northern seafront, the bridge features a four-metre pedestrian walkway on both sides, creating a seamless car-lite connection between the vibrant public realm of Gurney Bay and Eastern and Oriental’s (E&O) master-planned Andaman Island community.
E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said the bridge embodies the developer’s commitment to building a city that is accessible, connected, and future-oriented.
“In creating this bridge, what we have experienced is that not only does it give easy access, but it also offers a shortened journey from the traditional route.
Tuck Cheong addressing the reporters.
“This resonates closely with our concept of a 15-minute city.
“With the completion of this bridge, there is a lot more that everyone will be experiencing in the future, not only in the residential but the commercial components of what we are going to unfold in future phases.
“So, keep your logbooks open because we have a lot of support from the state government in this journey of ours,” Tuck Cheong said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Chow reflected on the long evolution of the Andaman development and the extensive planning underpinning Penang’s northern growth corridor.
“Of course, the story started in the 1990s when the concession right to reclaim a total of approximately 960 acres was first given.
“The Straits Quay area, or Phase One, was completed many years ago.
“Today, we are here at Phase 2A, while Phase 2B is still being reclaimed, a total of 506 acres.
Chow posing on the Gurney Bridge. The backdrop is a view of some of the high-end developments within the Gurney Drive vicinity.
“Phase 2A has seen 3,700 units launched and is currently in the process of being sold, including landed properties facing Straits Quay,” he said.
Chow acknowledged that completing the entire development would take time, but emphasised that its scale and ambition reflect Penang’s broader aspirations.
“For Penang, it represents something bigger, which is connectivity, good planning, and the future we are building.
“This project is particularly special to me. From my office window in Komtar, we have been watching the Andaman shoreline growing day by day.
“Every time we look, we see progress happening. As we are here today, it feels meaningful to see how this vision has turned into a reality,” Chow said proudly.
He confirmed that portions of reclaimed land will be surrendered to the state as part of the development agreement.
Chow also addressed questions on wider traffic planning and future infrastructure connections along the northern coast.
“There is already a road beside City of Dreams, already built and maybe not yet open, connecting right up to Lotus’s Tanjung Pinang in Tanjung Tokong.
A view of one of the phases of the Gurney Bay project from the Gurney Bridge.
“So, that will be connected under the bridge to link up with Gurney in the future,” he explained.
He emphasised that Penang must plan infrastructure ahead of demand, regardless of whether future mega-projects, such as the proposed undersea tunnel or additional bridges to proceed.
“Whether the tunnel or the bridge project will go on, provision has already been made for that connection into Gurney and to Penang island.
“These are still awaiting actual implementation, but planning must proceed.
“Provision has been made, but it is not for E&O to answer because it is outside their concession precinct. The state government needs to take note and plan accordingly,” Chow further emphasised.
On another matter, Chow said the state is still waiting for final confirmation of the North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR) project.
“Planning must go ahead. “Of course, starting with NCPR will be after the completion of the Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway Bypass (Package Two),” he said.
He also highlighted that an additional bridge is planned further north to link Gurney and the Tanjong Tokong area in the later stages of development.
Acknowledging Penangites’ common concerns about congestion, Chow gave his assurance that the state is prioritising responsible traffic management.
Tee presenting a token of appreciation courtesy of E&O to Chow.
“I know what Penangites usually think about every new development: will there be a traffic jam?
“Let us be clear that this bridge is built to achieve connectivity into Andaman Island and to ease traffic flow,” Chow emphasised.
He added that state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari and the technical agencies have spent considerable time studying the precinct’s traffic disposal routes.
“Rest assured, we will be mindful about the impact of any new developments on existing traffic in the new area,” Chow said.
Also present earlier were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, E&O executive chairman Datuk Seri Tee Eng Ho, and others.
source: https://www.buletinmutiara.com/
