Anderson Bridge (Singapore)

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Anderson Bridge

Jambatan Anderson
安德逊桥
அண்டர்சன் பாலம்
bicycles (Motor vehicles in the past)
CrossesSingapore River
LocaleSingapore River, Singapore
Official nameAnderson Bridge
Characteristics
DesignTruss bridge
Total length70 metres
Width28 metres
History
Opened1910; 114 years ago (1910)
Statistics
Designated15 October 2019; 4 years ago (2019-10-15)
Reference no.73
Location
Map

Anderson Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans across the Singapore River. It is located near the river's mouth in the Downtown Core Planning Area of Singapore's Central Area.

The bridge was completed in 1910,

High Commissioner for the Federated Malay States (1904–1911), Sir John Anderson, who officially opened the bridge on 12 March 1910.[2] It forms part of the Singapore Grand Prix's Marina Bay Street Circuit
, which debuted on 28 September 2008.

On 15 October 2019, the bridge, along with

National Monument of Singapore
.

History

Aerial perspective of Anderson Bridge over the Singapore River

Anderson Bridge was built under oversight of Municipal Engineer

high tide. However, when Anderson Bridge was completed in 1910, Cavenagh Bridge was spared from demolition and was converted to a pedestrian
bridge, with all vehicles being diverted to Anderson Bridge.

Anderson Bridge was constructed between 1908 and 1910, as a joint venture between the

colonial government and the Municipality after the reclamation of the south bank of the Singapore River. Construction of bridge cost £50,000 and was carried out by Howarth Erskine Ltd while the abutments were built by the Westminster Construction Company Limited.[2][3]

The bridge comprises three

ribs extending across them, two rusticated archways and a fluted pier
at each end.

During the

Japanese Occupation of Singapore (1942–1945), the severed heads of criminals were hung on Anderson Bridge as a warning to discourage citizens from breaking the law.

Anderson Bridge, as seen from Queen Elizabeth Walk
.

In the 1990s, due again to the increasing vehicular traffic flow between the northern and southern bank of the Singapore River, the Esplanade Bridge was built to provide faster access between Marina Centre and the financial district of Shenton Way. Construction of the 260-metre-long (850 ft) bridge in front of the mouth of the Singapore River began in early 1994 and was completed in 1997.

Anderson Bridge currently still serves as a vehicular bridge, and connects the financial district directly to

Former Merlion Park
. It also forms a distinctive part of the F1 Singapore Street Circuit.

On 3 November 2008, the bridge was selected for conservation as part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's expanded conservation programme.[4]

On 15 October 2019, the

National Monument of Singapore.[5][6] This was first announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on 3 August 2019, where the Padang is included as a future National Monument.[7][8]

On 5 November 2021, authorities announced the conversion of Anderson Bridge to full pedestrianization from end December 2021, to increase the Civic District's walkability. The bridge was later converted to a pedestrian bridge, with all vehicles being diverted to Esplanade Bridge again.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ G. Chandradas, Tien Chung Ping (21 August 2008). "Bridging the gap", The Straits Times.
  2. ^ a b "The Anderson Bridge". The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. 14 March 1910. p. 5.
  3. ISBN 9789812618580
    .
  4. ^ Suan Chiang, Tay (4 October 2008). "Twelve iconic structures". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  5. ^ "Singapore River Bridges gazetted as Singapore's 73rd National Monument" (PDF). NHB. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  6. ^ Ang, Prisca (15 October 2019). "Another $15 million in restoration funds for owners of national monuments". The Straits Times. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  7. ^ "Singapore River Bridges and the Padang to be gazetted as National Monuments" (PDF). NHB. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  8. ^ "Padang, Singapore River Bridges to be gazetted as national monuments". CNA. 3 August 2019. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  9. ^ "Connaught Drive and Anderson Bridge to be pedestrian-only from end-December". CNA. 5 November 2021.
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