Singapore’s extensive network of urban green spaces and recreational trails is set for a major upgrade with the announcement of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge linking Marina Centre directly to Gardens by the Bay. Slated for completion by 2029, this curved architectural addition will effectively eliminate the long detour currently required for active commuters and leisure seekers, cementing a crucial connection within the island’s expansive leisure infrastructure and enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
For years, navigating between the bustling hub of Marina Centre and the serene expanse of Gardens by the Bay’s Bay East Garden has represented a significant inconvenience for those not traveling by car. This upcoming curved structure, designed exclusively for non-motorized transport, aims to solve that gap. Situated roughly 30 meters from the existing Benjamin Sheares Bridge, the new connection is not merely a shortcut but a strategic artery in Singapore’s recreational master plan.
Crucially, the bridge directly integrates into the Round Island Route (RIR), Singapore’s impressive 75-kilometer continuous leisure trail. The RIR trace a path from the northeast, through Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park, alongside the Singapore River, and down toward Berlayer Creek. This new link ensures that cyclists embarking on the RIR can bypass complicated road intersections and enjoy a seamless journey through the core Marina Bay precinct.
Key Access Points and Amenities
The connectivity features extend far beyond the main span of the bridge. Upon exiting, users will find newly constructed ramps strategically positioned to plug directly into several key destinations:
- East Coast Park: Offering immediate access to one of the island’s most popular coastal leisure areas.
- Bay East Garden: Integrating users directly into the peaceful eastern section of Gardens by the Bay.
- Tanjong Rhu: The connection here will feature a dedicated new pavilion, complete with essential public facilities, including a public restroom—a welcome convenience for long-distance cyclists.
At the Marina Centre landing, ramps are designed to connect pedestrians and cyclists to the future Bay Central Garden link, positioning it near iconic landmarks such as the Formula 1 Paddock Club and the Marina Bay Street Circuit, ensuring convenient access during non-race periods.
Design Elements Ensure Navigation and Clearance
The bridge’s design balances functional necessity with aesthetic appeal, incorporating critical navigation considerations. At its peak, the structure will rise a minimum of 8.8 meters above the water surface, ensuring adequate vertical clearance beneath the deck for maritime traffic.
Furthermore, the design allocates ample horizontal space for navigating watercraft. The span allows for three separate water lanes, accommodating a minimum of 20 meters of clearance for motorized boats and a more generous minimum of 40 meters of clearance for non-motorized vessels, thereby minimizing disruption to water-based activities in the bay area.
As Singapore continues to invest heavily in sustainable and active mobility infrastructure, projects like this new curved connection underscore a commitment to making the city both more livable and thoroughly accessible. Leisure explorers and daily commuters alike can anticipate a much-improved experience traversing the vibrant heart of Marina Bay by the end of the decade.