Elgin Bridge Size report

The Elgin Bridge is a steel arch bridge in the heart of Singapore that spans the Singapore River. The roads at both ends of the bridge are named North Bridge Road and South Bridge Road. The Elgin Bridge was the first to cross the Singapore River, but it is not the earliest existing bridge as it is the most rebuilt bridge in Singapore.

First completed in 1820 as a timber footbridge, Elgin Bridge was rebuilt five times before its present structure in 1929. Glasgow Steel Roofing Company Ltd fabricated and shipped the current steel framework to Singapore.

In August 2019, it was announced that Elgin Bridge, Cavenagh Bridge, and Anderson Bridge would be collectively gazetted as a National Monument. The long history and the quiet, elegant setting make this bridge a favorite spot for walks.

Size and Structure of Elgin Bridge

In October 1928, the new 300-ton steel superstructure was successfully placed in position; the reinforced concrete arch bridge opened to traffic in 1929. The current Elgin bridge is supported by six reinforced concrete caissons, with three on each river bank. The bridge was raised 4 feet higher to allow lighters and riverboats to pass. The medallions with a palm tree and lion (a symbol of old Singapore) and the cast iron lamps on the Elgin Bridge are distinctive and were sculpted by renowned Italian sculptors. In 1991, two underground passages leading to South Bridge Road were built under the bridge to facilitate the passage of pedestrians.

Dimensions of the Elgin Bridge

The current Elgin bridge, built in 1929, is 46 meters long and 25 meters wide. Elgin Bridge is an arch bridge that spans more than 140 feet across the river. The bridge's three bowstring arches were constructed in steel and concrete. It consists of two 7.6 meters (26 feet) roadways that are divided by a central girder.

History of Elgin Bridge

The bridge has been rebuilt five times at the same location. The first to appear over the Singapore River is a narrow wooden suspension bridge called the Presentation Bridge, also known as the Monkey Bridge. Eventually, the weak Presentation Bridge was replaced by a new wooden footbridge, the Thomson Bridge, named after its builder. In 1862, the wooden bridge became an iron bridge. Since the iron bridge was imported from Calcutta, India, the Singaporean government named the bridge after the then Governor of India, Lord James Bruce Elgin, which is still in use today. The original iron bridge was demolished in 1927, and 2 years later, the current Elgin Bridge spans the river.

Final Words

Elgin Bridge has not changed much since 1929, though all around it - Singapore River and the whole city have completely transformed in the intervening 90 years. The environment near the Elgin Bridge is quiet and elegant. Many people like to sit on the stools near the bridge and meditate or read quietly. The colorful lights will also dress up the bridge and the Singapore River in the evening.