The Penang second bridge is expected to be completed in September, more than two months earlier than the set deadline, the Finance Ministry announced today.

Deputy Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said the RM3 billion bridge was currently 90.15 per cent complete, ahead of 2.92 per cent.

"The ministry is closely monitoring the progress of the 24km-long bridge to ensure it is completed within the set deadline," he said in a statement today.

Lim said Penangites would particularly benefit from the bridge which would improve public transportation and overall quality of their life after completion.

Project concessionaire, Finance Minister Incorporated wholly-owned Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd was established on July 9, 2008 to build, manage, operate and maintain the bridge linking Batu Kawan on the mainland with Batu Maung on Penang Island.