GEORGE TOWN: Much of the preparatory work on the construction of the RM3 billion second Penang Bridge project has been completed. 

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) - the main contractor for the project -- said soil investigation work, which started in August, would be completed by the end of the month.

The company also completed the topography surveys and underwater survey work in September and October.

"We have completed part of the test-piling work and have also undertaken dredging work to deepen the seabed to allow the piling barge access to shallow waters," CHEC said in a statement yesterday.

The company also gave its assurance that Third Harbor Consultants Co Ltd, which was involved in the surveys, had an excellent track record. The company has worked on bridges in China, including the Donghai Bridge, the world's second longest bridge.

UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of UEM Builders Bhd - the project concessionaire - appointed CHEC as the main contractor. 

The bridge will be the longest in Southeast Asia when completed in January 2011. The 24km bridge links Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai with Batu Maung on the island.