Bridges, Singapore

This is one of the earliest suspension bridges across the Singapore river. Built in 1869, it was originally intended to be a draw bridge but later was become a fixed bridge.

Traffic has been diverted from this bridge due to overloading concerns. It is now a pleasant pedestrian bridge for commuters to walk and tourists alike.

It was named after one of Singapore's Governor - Major General William Cavenagh (1859-1867).

Cavenagh Bridge was completed in 1869 and is the oldest bridge standing on its original form.It was the first suspension bridge in Singapore. Cavenagh Bridge was named after Major General Sir William Orfeur Cavenagh, who was the Governor of the Straits Settlements from 1859 to 1867. His governorship marked the end of rule by the British administration based in Calcutta.

It was originally planed as a drawbridge.However, it was found upon completion to be suitable only as a fixed structure. It is now a pedestrain bridge.

Anderson Bridge was constructed in 1910 to divert traffic from the overly congested Cavenagh Bridge which is now a pedestrian bridge only. Anderson Bridge would play an important role with the mushrooming trade on the Singapore river and the increasing traffic between the Civic and Commercial Districts seperated by the river.

History repeating itself again, most of Anderson Bridge traffic now flows over the Esplanade Bridge which was opened in 1997 do to increasing traffic once again. The bridge now serves as a direct link between the financial district and City Hall.

***Interesting Fact: During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, severed heads of criminals were hung from the Anderson Bridge to discourage the public from breaking the law.

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Built is Glasgow and then reassembled in Singapore in 1869, the Cavegahn Bridge is the only suspension bridge in Singapore and is the oldest bridge to remain in it's original form. Before it's construction, the only ways across the lower section of the Singapore river were upstream across the Elgin Bridge, or by boat.

First used for rickshaws and ox-carts, the bridge is now used for foot traffic only.

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Alkaff Bridge was built in 1997 but became famous when the 55 metre bridge was repainted in 2003 by Pacita Abad in 52 different colours that took over a month to finish. Today the bridge is sometimes called Pacita bridge due to her passing in 2004 to cancer.
The colourful bridge is a great addition to an already colourful Robertson Quay.

Walking around the city and the river, you should take a moment to enjoy the Esplanada Bridge and adjacent theater. The small triagular plates on the theater automatically reposition themselves over the course of the day to block out direct sunlight.

Take a walk by the Singapore River

There are many bridges that cross the river. Starting from the mouth of the river, they are:
Esplanade Bridge,
Anderson Bridge,
Cavenagh Bridge (pedestrians only),
Elgin Bridge,
Coleman Bridge,
Read Bridge,
Ord Bridge (pedestrians only),
Clemenceau Bridge,
Alkaff Bridge (pedestrians only),
Pulau Saigon Bridge,
Robertson Bridge (pedestrians only),
Jiak Kim Bridge (pedestrians only)
Kim Seng Bridge

Beyond this point, the Singapore River narrows into a small channel that is more canal than river.

This is a picture of one of the 8 old lamp posts on the Coleman Bridge over the Singapore River. It reminds me of the elegant architecture from the 1800s. Coleman Bridge was built by the British in 1886 (says one of the websites), and I do know that it is named after the chief architect G D Coleman. He also designed the Saint Andrew Cathedral and (old) Parliament House.

Good architecture gives the city its skeleton. People are its soul.

This 13-arch Bridge in Chinese Garden follows the style of the 17- arch bridge at the Summer Palace in Beijing.