Esplanade Bridge

Esplanade Bridge is a 261-metre-long vehicular bridge that spans over the mouth of the Singapore River, with the iconic Merlion on the south and the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay to the north.

The 70-metre-wide (230 ft.) low-level concrete arched bridge has seven spans and supports two four-lane roads and footpaths on both sides of the bridge.

Esplanade Bridge, History, Width, Length, Type & Design, Singapore River

The bridge was built to accommodate better vehicle access between Shenton Way and the Marina Centre while alleviating traffic issues from Connaught Drive and St Andrew’s Road.

Construction took three years and was finally finished in March 1997. However, the bridge blocked views of the original Merlion from points in Marina Bay, so it was relocated to the front of the bridge.

The Esplanade Bridge closes to vehicular traffic on special occasions to allow pedestrians a safe location to gather. Thousands of people gather at the bridge during fireworks, including New Year’s Eve and National Day celebrations.

The structure also makes up part of the world-famous Marina Bay Street Circuit of the Singapore Grand Prix, which results in road closures for the duration of the event.