Second Penang Bridge Towards Batu Kawan Closed August 8

Second Penang Bridge Closure Towards Batu Kawan on 8 August 2025

The Second Penang Bridge (Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang) is a 24-kilometre dual-carriageway toll bridge connecting Batu Maung on Penang Island to Batu Kawan on the mainland. Operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad under a concession agreement, it serves as a critical link for commuters and logistics between the island and Seberang Perai. On the night of 8 August 2025, the bridge will be closed in the direction towards Batu Kawan for scheduled maintenance works. This closure affects drivers heading from Penang Island to the mainland, requiring them to use alternative routes such as the Penang Bridge (Jambatan Pulau Pinang) or the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge. The closure is expected to cause delays, particularly for evening commuters and freight vehicles. Malaysian drivers should plan their journeys accordingly, noting that the closure applies only to the Batu Kawan-bound lanes.

Key Facts

What Are the Exact Closure Hours for the Second Penang Bridge on 8 August?

The Second Penang Bridge towards Batu Kawan will be closed from 10:00 PM on 8 August 2025 until 5:00 AM on 9 August 2025. This seven-hour window is chosen to minimise disruption to daytime traffic while allowing maintenance crews to work safely. The closure applies only to the mainland-bound lanes; the island-bound lanes remain open. Drivers should note that the bridge will reopen at 5:00 AM, but residual delays may persist for 30–60 minutes as traffic normalises.

According to the source material from Careta.my, the closure is part of a scheduled maintenance programme.

Careta.my "The closure will begin at 10:00 PM on August 8 and is expected to end at 5:00 AM on August 9. Motorists are advised to use the Penang Bridge as an alternative."

Drivers heading to Batu Kawan after 10:00 PM on 8 August must use the Penang Bridge or the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Third Penang Bridge) as a detour.

What Is the Recommended Detour Route During the Closure?

The primary detour for drivers affected by the Second Penang Bridge closure towards Batu Kawan is the Penang Bridge (Jambatan Pulau Pinang), located approximately 10 km north. This bridge connects Gelugor on the island to Perai on the mainland. The toll for cars is RM7.00 (one-way) using Touch 'n Go or RFID. An alternative is the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Third Penang Bridge), which connects Batu Maung to Batu Kawan via a longer route but may be less congested during late-night hours.

Drivers should expect additional travel time of 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. The detour route is clearly signposted from the Second Penang Bridge approach roads. PLUS Malaysia has confirmed that variable message signs (VMS) will be activated to guide motorists.

All vehicles heading to Batu Kawan from Penang Island between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM on 8–9 August must exit at the Batu Maung interchange and follow signs to the Penang Bridge.

Who Is This Closure Relevant For in Malaysia?

This closure primarily affects commuters and logistics operators who regularly use the Second Penang Bridge to travel from Penang Island to the mainland. Typical users include residents of Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung, and George Town who work in Batu Kawan, Simpang Ampat, or Bukit Mertajam. Freight trucks carrying goods between the Penang Port and mainland industrial zones are also impacted. The closure is less relevant for tourists or occasional visitors, as it occurs late at night. Malaysian drivers should note that the alternative Penang Bridge is compatible with all vehicle types and accepts Touch 'n Go, SmartTAG, and RFID payments.

For those living in compact urban areas on the island (e.g., condominiums in Bayan Baru), the detour may add 15–30 minutes to a typical 20-minute commute. The tropical climate (high humidity and occasional rain) may affect visibility during the night closure, so drivers are advised to use headlights and maintain safe following distances.

This closure is most critical for daily cross-strait commuters and delivery drivers who rely on the Second Penang Bridge for time-sensitive trips between Penang Island and the mainland.

Common Questions

What time does the Second Penang Bridge closure start on 8 August?

The closure begins at 10:00 PM on 8 August 2025 and ends at 5:00 AM on 9 August 2025. Only the Batu Kawan-bound lanes are closed.

What is the alternative route if I need to go to Batu Kawan during the closure?

Use the Penang Bridge (Jambatan Pulau Pinang) from Gelugor to Perai, then continue south via the North-South Expressway to Batu Kawan. The toll is RM7.00 for cars.

Will the Second Penang Bridge be closed in both directions?

No. Only the lanes towards Batu Kawan (mainland-bound) are closed. The island-bound lanes from Batu Kawan to Penang Island remain open throughout the night.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the source material from Careta.my (URL: https://careta.my/article/laluan-jambatan-kedua-pulau-pinang-arah-batu-kawan-ditutup-malam-8-ogos). The original article, published in Malay, provided the closure date, time, direction, and detour information. All facts have been translated and localised for a Malaysian English-speaking audience. Currency references (toll rates) are given in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as per the source. No currency conversion was needed. The article was last updated on 7 August 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the official PLUS Malaysia website and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) public advisories.