A zebra crossing has replaced the bridge and there are no plans to build a new one, says MBPP.
THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has received RM1.2mil in compensation from a transport company after its trailer destroyed the Weld Quay pedestrian bridge on Feb 5, 2020.
In a statement, MBPP revealed that the payment was made following its legal bid to seek damages from the company.
“This resulted in a consent judgment in the High Court on Sept 18, 2023.
“The transport company, through its insurance provider, was ordered to pay RM1.2mil to MBPP in October 2023,” it stated.
The council said there were no plans to construct a new pedestrian bridge, and that the existing pedestrian crossing with traffic lights would be maintained at the site.
The pedestrian bridge broke apart after being hit by a trailer at Weld Quay on Feb 5, 2020 as seen in this file photo.
The Weld Quay facility was the first overhead pedestrian bridge built in Penang in 1975 at a cost of RM180,000.
Weighing about 20 tonnes, the 5m-high bridge was constructed as part of the ferry expansion programme to connect pedestrians between the jetty and the George Town bus terminal.
On Feb 5, 2020, the pedestrian bridge was damaged when a piling crane crashed into it.
The bridge was later dismantled to allow smooth traffic flow for two major festivals then — Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng suggested that the authorities create a sculpture featuring remnants of the old structure.
“This would help educate the public about the history of the bridge and area,” he said.
