Singapore is embarking on an innovative construction project with the creation of its longest elevated cycling and pedestrian bridge. This 1.2km link across the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) near Potong Pasir will enhance the city’s urban infrastructure and serve as a notable example of managing complex construction in a bustling urban environment.
Scheduled to begin by October 2024 and expected to be completed by the end of 2027, the bridge will connect St Andrew’s Junior College to a neighbourhood park in Jalan Taman, near Serangoon Road. This project is a key component of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) broader strategy to improve cycling and pedestrian pathways throughout Singapore, particularly in high-traffic areas.
The construction firm Samwoh, which has been awarded the contract, has indicated that the project will necessitate localised diversions of both vehicular traffic and existing pedestrian and cycling paths. Safety precautions will require pedestrians and cyclists to use alternative routes around the construction site.
While the construction is ongoing, residents can expect short-term inconveniences, including noise and temporary road closures. National Development Minister Desmond Lee has assured the public that efforts will be made to minimise disruptions as much as possible.
The new PIE link is part of the URA’s larger plan to establish a 10 km-long seamless commuting route from Bishan to the Central Business District. Once completed, the new link is expected to cut cycling travel time between these areas to 30 to 45 minutes, compared to the current one to one-and-a-half hours.
The decision to build an elevated bridge rather than a more complex cable-stayed structure reflects Singapore’s practical approach to ensuring its infrastructure’s safety, ease of construction, and long-term maintenance. This project marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s urban development and stands as an intriguing construction endeavour in its own right.
