Jubilee Bridge opens early for the passing of Lee Kuan Yew

The bridge linking Merlion Park and the waterfront promenade in front of Esplanade, which was supposed to open next month, was opened on Sunday to allow Singaporeans to bid farewell to Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, said Singapore's National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Tuesday.

Khaw Boon Wan noted on his Facebook that the construction of such a bridge had been suggested by Lee Kuan Yew when he visited Marina Bay in 2004. Lee had observed that the walkway along Esplanade Bridge was too narrow and thought that a friendlier connection should be provided.

"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," said Khaw.

Plans for the bridge were first announced in 2009 and construction began in 2012. The bridge was meant to be open to the public from April, but its opening was brought forward on Sunday to cope with the crowds who lined the existing Esplanade Bridge to bid farewell to Lee Kuan Yew.

Running alongside to the existing Esplanade Bridge, the new pedestrian bridge forms part of the 3.5 km waterfront promenade around Marina Bay. The bridge will remain open and will be officially launched in November as the Jubilee Bridge to commemorate Singapore's 50th birthday.