Drawbridge set to boost Terengganu tourism
KUALA TERENGGANU: The iconic drawbridge at the Sungai Terengganu estuary which is expected to be completed by April is already making heads turn with its majestic structures looking just as outstanding as the famous Tower Bridge in London, the United Kingdom.
With still months to go before completion, locals and visitors have been flocking to the area to have their pictures taken with the RM240 million drawbridge, perfect for social media postings with the bridge’s two four-storey towers standing majestically in the background.
When opened, the drawbridge will become a must-visit site besides Pasar Kedai Payang.
The modern architecture and development of the Kuala Terengganu business centre will rid the city of its old “city in a kampung image”.
The bridge is 638m long with a width of 23m. The drawbridge spans 50m and connects the two reclaimed sites on the north and south of the Sungai Terengganu.
Robiah Arifin, 45, of Rhu Muda, Marang, believed that the drawbridge would provide much needed impetus for the economic growth of the state capital.
“We feel ashamed when the state capital is depicted as one that is village-like despite attempts to transform it into a modern city.
“Finally, we have something to show to the nation, if not the world. The drawbridge not only serves as a landmark but will also be a catalyst for growth and a convenience for commuters, who will have an alternative road to cross Sungai Terengganu.
“It also eases traffic congestion on the Sultan Mahmud Bridge, especially during long holidays,” said the businesswoman, who frequently used the Sultan Mahmud Bridge to go to Sultan Mahmud Airport.
Asmat Abdul Ghani, 34, a government servant who lives in Sebarang Takir, said the drawbridge would become an attraction and a boost for tourism.
“It is a beautiful piece of architecture. On top of that, it is a practical solution to traffic congestion, which is getting worse.
“When it opens, the bridge will take me just 10 minutes to go to town, unlike the present 30 minutes when using the Sultan Mahmud Bridge.
“The Penambang boat operators will get more tourists and passengers, who will want to take pictures of the bridge from different angles. The bridge will also make their visit to Kuala Terengganu memorable,” she said.
A visit near the site saw many visitors taking pictures and selfies with the uncompleted bridge in the background.
Food stalls were also enjoying brisk business, proving that the drawbridge was already a tourist magnet before its scheduled opening in April.