The Batang Paloh Bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on October 30, giving Bruit Island and Tanjung Manis a new road crossing along Sarawak's coastal corridor. The announcement follows the joining of the bridge's final structural sections on October 8; it is not an announcement that motorists can use it today. JKR Sarawak said the 1.7-kilometre bridge would provide an alternative connection between Mukah, Sibu and Sarikei, complementing the Pan Borneo Highway. The project also includes about 4.6 kilometres of connecting roads on the island and Tanjung Manis sides. For communities that rely on the ferry, the change is a direct road connection rather than another sailing option. JKR expects it to reduce reliance on ferry services and improve access to schools, healthcare and government offices. Those are expected benefits after opening, not measured travel-time results from an operating bridge. The project has a reported contract value of RM298.98 million. The October 8 stitching ceremony marked the completion of a continuous structural crossing over Batang Paloh. Travellers planning a coastal journey should keep the announced October 30 opening separate from this construction milestone; the report did not specify a first-day opening hour.