KUALA TERENGGANU: Visitors brimming with excitement gathered as early as 6am today, an hour before opening, to get a closer look at the first drawbridge in Southeast Asia.
The road junction to the drawbridge from both Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus was filled with vehicles waiting to cross the 638m bridge.
As soon as the road cones were moved at 7am, motorists and motorcyclists got onto the bridge and sounded their horns in excitement.
Some stood by the roadside and took pictures and video recordings.
Fauziah Jusoh, 42, said she had arrived at 6am because she could not wait to take a closer look at the bridge.
“When I got to know that the bridge would open today, I was very excited,” she said.
“After sahur and subuh prayers, I drove here straight.”
Fauziah, who is from Kuala Terengganu, said she was proud to be among the first to get on the bridge.
Seberang Takir resident Muhammad Sollehin Yunus, 38, said now it would only take him about 10 minutes to travel to the city centre from his home, compared with 15 to 20 minutes previously.
“Before this, if I wanted to go to Kuala Terengganu, I had to use the longer route.
“But now there is a shorter way. I just proceed to the roundabout near Ketapang Bay Beach and continue towards the bridge, and I will reach Kuala Terengganu in no time.”
The government officer was already waiting at the road junction to the drawbridge from Kuala Nerus at 6.30am.
The drawbridge, which has two 16-storey tall towers, is open for a trial run until June 17.
East Coast Economic Region Development Council senior manager (ECERDC) Razlee Hassan said 300 to 400 vehicles were expected to pass through the bridge today.
He said the public was not allowed to walk on the bridge to take pictures as the pedestrian walkway was still closed.
“At the moment, no pedestrians are allowed on the bridge as this is a temporary opening.
“Only vehicles are allowed during the trial, because we do not want traffic problems.
“To selfie buffs, please be patient... God willing, after June 17 we will announce the official opening date.
“Then, you can take as many pictures as you want.”
In addition, he said, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the area around the drawbridge would be illuminated with coloured lights at night from June 4 to 7.