Jubilee Bridge was opened early to accommodate mourners at Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s state funeral procession on Sunday: Khaw

SINGAPORE — A new pedestrian bridge linking Merlion Park to the waterfront promenade in front of Esplanade was opened early to facilitate the crowd that came to bid a final farewell to Mr Lee Kuan Yew on Sunday.

The bridge was meant to be opened for public access next month, revealed National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan in a blog post today (March 31). “It was Mr Lee Kuan Yew himself who suggested the construction of a bridge, during a 2004 visit to Marina Bay. He had observed that the walkway along Esplanade Bridge was too narrow, and he thought that a friendlier connection should be provided,” Mr Khaw said.

The 220-m long pedestrian bridge forms part of the 3.5-km waterfront promenade around the bay and allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of Marina Bay.

The bridge will remain open and will be officially launched in November as the Jubilee Bridge, to commemorate 50 years of nation building. “As we use this new pedestrian bridge to enjoy Marina Bay, let’s reflect on the vision and the hard work of Mr Lee and our founding generation,” Mr Khaw said.