Singapore’s highly anticipated recreation network expansion is taking a significant step forward with the planned completion of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge, set to dramatically enhance connectivity between Marina Centre and Gardens by the Bay by 2029. This curved structure marks the elimination of a long-standing detour, integrating the bustling downtown area with the tranquil waterfront greenspace and solidifying a crucial link in the nation’s continuous leisure trail system.
Maximizing Singapore’s Recreational Spine
Historically, traversing the waterways separating these two iconic destinations required a lengthy workaround, presenting a perennial inconvenience for cyclists and pedestrians. The new construction, located approximately 30 meters from the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, is designed to seamlessly resolve this gap. Critically, the bridge will directly join the Round Island Route (RIR), Singapore’s most extensive continuous leisure trail, which spans 75 kilometers, tracing a path from the northeast, through East Coast Park, past the Singapore River, and down toward Berlayer Creek.
The design ensures easy transition into the broader urban and natural landscapes. On the Marina Centre side, access ramps will integrate users with future connections to Bay Central Garden and the RIR, located near the Formula 1 Paddock Club and the annual Marina Bay Street Circuit course.
Meanwhile, the southern end of the bridge offers extensive accessibility, directly connecting to key locations:
- East Coast Park
- Bay East Garden
- Tanjong Rhu, where a connecting ramp will feature a dedicated pavilion and public restroom facilities, enhancing user convenience.
Engineering for Multi-Use Navigation
The bridge is engineered not only for land travelers but also to accommodate the busy maritime traffic below. At its pinnacle, the structure will ascend at least 8.8 meters above the water surface, ensuring ample clearance for passing vessels.
To facilitate safe navigation, the design incorporates provisions for three distinct water lanes:
- A minimum clearance of 20 meters designated for larger motorized boats.
- A minimum clearance of 40 meters reserved for non-motorized vessels.
This strategic elevation ensures the bridge serves as a functional thoroughfare without impeding the movement of boats, thereby supporting both recreational use and essential nautical activities within Marina Bay.
Enhancing Urban Mobility and Quality of Life
This connectivity project reflects a broader governmental initiative to promote active transport and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. By offering safe, dedicated pathways for cycling and walking, the bridge encourages healthier commuting options and expands access to major green spaces, fulfilling the goal of making Singapore a “City in a Garden.”
The anticipated completion in 2029 will fundamentally transform how people interact with the Marina Bay waterfront and the surrounding parks. For those looking to embark on the entirety of the RIR, this new segment eliminates a major obstacle, making the goal of cycling or walking the full length of the island’s continuous loop a practical and enjoyable reality. Residents planning recreational excursions along the East Coast or attempting to reach Gardens by the Bay will benefit from this streamlined, direct passage, further embedding these world-class attractions into the fabric of Singapore’s walkable cityscape.