| Main Span of Suramadu Bridge connected |
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| Tuesday,April 07,2009 Posted: 17:12 BJT(0912 GMT) Chinese Embassy in Indonesia |
The main span of Suramadu Bridge linking East Java and Madura Island of Indonesia, known as “Surabaya – Madura Bridge” was connected successfully at 11 pm on Mar 31st, 2009, a milestone indicating that the bridge will be hopefully completed and opened to the public in June, 2009.
Mr. Hermanto, Director-General from the Ministry of Public Works of Indonesia, and Ms. Zhang Qiyue, China Ambassador to Indonesia, pressed the button at the same time to start the closing process of the main span.
"It’s the crucial milestone for the bridge since we commenced construction works in October 2005. With the great efforts made by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the main contractor, I’m confident that the bridge will be completed on time." Mr. Hermanto remarked in his speech.
"The bridge is one of the most important cooperation projects between China and Indonesia. It will become an eternal symbol for friendly cooperation between the two countries. With completion and operation of the bridge in June, we believe that the bridge will provide smooth traffic for Surabaya and Madura residents and make contribution to the local economic and social development." said the Chinese Ambassador.
The total length of the bridge reached 5,438 meters including 1,458-meter causeway in Surabaya and 1,818-meter causeway in Madula. The mid-section consists of cable-stayed main span of 818 meters and two approach bridges with total length of 1,344 meters. When completed in 2009, it will be the first land link between the two islands and the longest bridge in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Construction contract was signed on September 24, 2004 between China construction company and the Ministry of Public Works of Indonesia. 90% financing comes from China Exim Bank by utilizing the preferential credit provided by the the Chinese government to Indonesia. Piling works started in October, 2005. The progress goes on efficiently in spite that the contractor encountered unexpected geological difficulties.
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