This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 10: Works at the iconic Satok Suspension Bridge seem to have been completed, with members of the public seen taking photographs on it.
Although its opening has not yet been made official, a survey by DayakDaily saw the gates at both ends of the bridge were not locked, which encouraged visitors to the vicinity.
Apart from stairs, it is worth noting that the bridge has an inclined plane installed for wheelchair users to get on the bridge.
The Satok Suspension Bridge, commonly known as Satok Yellow Bridge or ‘San Francisco Bridge’, was once a popular spot for courting couples and was the only way to reach Matang.
It was initially constructed in 1923 and completed in 1926 by architect AS Lowe to hold 0.3m water pipes connecting the reservoir in Matang with Kuching town.
It was 130 metres long, 2.3 metres wide, and was suspended 18 metres above the river.
The bridge eventually succumbed to wear and tear and was closed in 1992 for safety reasons. It ultimately collapsed on Oct 7, 2004, after serving Kuching residents for 78 years.
The reconstruction of the iconic bridge started on Sept 2017 and is reported to span 213 meters long and 3 metres wide at the cost of RM8.05 million.
On March 26, 2021, the long-awaited bridge was finally completed and opened to the public on Nov 21, 2021. However, it has been temporarily closed for decorative light installation works since Nov 1, 2021.
DayakDaily has yet to get a response from Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD). — DayakDaily
