City of bridges

Putrajaya is the only city in the country that is synonymous with bridge tourism. Ewe Paik Leong visits the top 10 bridges in the capital city

1. PUTRA BRIDGE

Ranking top in terms of grandeur, Putra Bridge links Putra Square with the Boulevard, the main street in Putrajaya. Measuring 435 metres, the three-decked concrete bridge consists of five spans supported by four piers with half-octagonal towers. If the towers invoke a where-have-I-seen-this-before feeling, it’s because they were inspired by the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran. Recessed panels on the walls of the towers sport geometric designs and arabesque motifs. The jetty where boats depart for a cruise around the lake as well as its ticketing counter are situated beneath Putra Bridge. Take a stroll along the promenade of the bridge or climb up the observation deck of a tower to soak in the splendour of the sunset. Putra Bridge is located at Persiaran Perdana and was completed in 1999.

2. SERI BESTARI BRIDGE

The sleek Seri Bestari Bridge — completed in 2003 — measures 152 metres and connects the Core Island to Taman Wawasan Pertanian in Precinct 16. This concrete structure has four piers with semi-circular arch ribs. Round planter boxes dot the central meridian of the bridge. Boungainvilleas planted on the sides add colour to the surrounding environs.

3. SERI PERDANA BRIDGE

The Seri Perdana Bridge combines functionality with simple elegance in its seven central spans and two end spans. Together they measure 370 metres and link the Government Precincts to Precincts 8, 9 and 10 across Putrajaya Lake.

Sitting in a half-pavilion at the side of the bridge gives you one of the best views of Putra Mosque, Perdana Putrajaya (PM’s office) and Seri Perdana (PM’s official residence). There are a total of eight half pavilions, and they each feature an arched entrance framed with a wall covered with mosaic tiles in Islamic design. This bridge was completed in 1999.

4. MONORAIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE

This is an uncompleted suspension bridge that was originally designed to carry a monorail over Putrajaya Lake. It is located in Precinct 3 near the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden. However, it was later decided that the monorail project was not viable and construction of the bridge was halted in 2004. The main span of the bridge measures 240 metres in length and 10 metres in width.

5. SERI SETIA BRIDGE

Located at Lebuh Ehsan, Seri Setia Bridge stretches 210 metres across Putrajaya Lake, linking the commercial area of Precinct 4 to Precinct 19, a residential district. The structure comprises seven spans of 30 metres between piers. Precast fascia panels on the sides of the bridge showcase lancet shaped arches and this motif is repeated on the piers and side railings. Seri Setia Bridge was finished in 2002.

6. THE SERI EMPANGAN BRIDGE

The Seri Empangan Bridge has been nicknamed the Butterfly Bridge because its arches resemble the wings of butterfly. Having a curved deck and a length of 135 metres, this bridge is located in Taman Seri Empangan which is accessed via Lebuh Gemilang. The double asymmetrical tubular arch structure specially caters to pedestrians and cyclists to cross Putrajaya Lake.

A side attraction is the night-time alfresco dining offered by restaurants in a nearby building which has the floor layout of the wing of a moon kite. While you thrill your taste buds, across the waters of the lake, you can also soak in the sights of the Seri Gemilang Bridge, the buildings of the Ministry of Women and Community Development and of the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government.

7. SERI GEMILANG BRIDGE

Festoons hang from the underside of the Seri Gemilang Bridge while four five-tiered towers loom upward. They are crowned with cupolas. Complementing these features are precast stone balusters running along the entire length of the structure. Decorative lamp posts complete the picture to create a ceremonial bridge which is popular for pre-wedding photographs and selfies.

Its main span measures 120 metres and the two other end spans are each 60 metres. Located at Lebuh Seri Gemilang and completed in 2003, this bridge has been compared to the Pont Alexandre III, a deckarch bridge across the Seine River in the Paris Basin.