Cavenagh Bridge

About

Cavenagh Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans across the Singapore River. Located near the river's mouth in the Downtown Core Planning Area of Singapore's Central Area, it is the oldest bridge in Singapore that exists in its original form. Opened in November 1869 to commemorate Singapore's Crown colony of the Straits Settlements status in 1867, the bridge's steel structure was created in and imported from Glasgow, Scotland. It was designed by chief engineer George Chancellor Collyer and consulting engineer Rowland Mason Ordish. Named after former governor Sir Orfeur Cavenagh, upon its opening the bridge was too low for larger boats to pass under during high tide. Its location and cost were criticised, as it was a longer route from the government offices and godowns as compared to the temporary bridge that was in place. By the 20th-century, Cavenagh Bridge carried the bulk of motor traffic and the congestion had worsened to a point where another bridge was needed. In 1910, Anderson Bridge was completed and motor traffic was redirected across it, while Cavenagh Bridge served pedestrian and rikisha traffic. A sign prohibiting motor vehicles and animals from crossing was erected at Cavenagh Bridge, while still stands to this day. The bridge underwent multiple restorations over the years. In 1972, it was selected for national preservation, and in 2008 for conservation under the

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.