Indonesia bridge project plans revived

In Indonesia plans are being drawn up for a bridge to connect Bintan Isand with Batam Island. In all the bridge connection would measure 7km long and be built in three sections: Batam - Pulau Tanjung Sauh; Pulau Tanjung Sauh - Pulau Buau; Pulau Buau – Bintan. The bridge project was proposed previously in 2005 but stalled a few years later, with financing being an issue at the time. When the work was costed back in 2009 it had a pricetag of US$350 million. However, the work will be somewhat more costly to construct now. A feasibility study is being carried out at present, which will give a clearer indication of the likely costs as well as the key technical challenges.

The project forms part of a wider plan by the 1065 Indonesian Government to boost economic development in the islands, which lie to the south of Singapore and across the Singapore Strait. The new link would help develop trade and tourism on Bintan with an improved connection through to the Banda Udara International Airport in Batam. A number of contractors have already expressed interest in the project, although the tendering process has still to be carried out.