Landmark bridges and Youth Olympic Park at Marina Bay officially opened
Minister for National Development Mr Mah Bow Tan officially opened the landmark pedestrian and vehicular bridges and the Youth Olympic Park at Marina Bay, developed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), this evening amidst much fanfare. The opening event, organised by the URA, included a spectacular and rousing two-minute pyrotechnic display set against the backdrop of the pedestrian bridge, and a special line-up of performances choreographed by artistic director Aaron Khek, who is also the chief choreographer for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. The opening fanfare was witnessed by Singaporeans and visitors, who were invited to join in the celebrations.
Names of bridges unveiled The official names of the bridges were announced by Minister Mah at the opening event. The pedestrian bridge is named “The Helix”（螺旋桥） , which reflects the helical structure of the bridge. The vehicular bridge will be called “Bayfront Bridge”（海湾桥） as it is part of Bayfront Avenue, a newly constructed road which will serve the Bayfront area where the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Gardens by the Bay, and other future developments are located. These names were carefully deliberated and decided after a public consultation process, during which URA sought feedback on the names for the pedestrian and vehicular bridges in November 2008.
Accessing Bayfront area The Helix is part of the 3.5km continuous waterfront promenade around Marina Bay, and provides pedestrians a direct connection between Marina Centre and the Bayfront area, where the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort is located. Bayfront Bridge, which runs parallel to the pedestrian bridge, also provides a direct vehicular connection between Marina Centre and the Marina South area for the first time, via Bayfront Avenue.
The Helix was opened to the public from 9.30pm today. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline across the Bay from the viewing pods located on the bridge. Before MBSIR is fully completed, pedestrians planning to cross from Marina Centre to the Bayfront area or access the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort can use The Helix and cross over to the 4-metre wide pedestrian walkway of Bayfront Bridge at midway point. Please refer to Annex A for the walking routes for pedestrians.
Bayfront Bridge will be opened from 3.00pm on Sunday, 25 April 2010, as announced by the Land Transport Authority.
Construct “The Helix” online Members of the public now have a chance to play a part in “constructing” The Helix virtually. In conjunction with the opening of the new pedestrian bridge, URA is inviting all photography enthusiasts to take photographs of the bridge and post them online on the Marina Bay Facebook page, where a 3D image of the bridge will be constantly recreated based on photographs contributed by the community. Members of the public can log on to www.marina-bay.sg for more details.
Something for everyone at the Bay year-long The official opening is one of the exciting events under “Marina Bay Invitations 2010”, a year-long series of events to mark the completion of the key developments in Marina Bay this year. It will feature something for everyone, with activities to appeal to people of all ages, to encourage the community to come and experience Marina Bay.
