New Bridge To Sentosa Open To Traffic

Source : The Business Times, July 9, 2009

CONSTRUCTION of the new bridge to Sentosa is complete - and the first traffic crossed it yesterday.

Until July 22, all traffic to and from the island will be diverted to the new bridge, which runs parallel to the existing bridge. The existing bridge will be closed for works.

The $80 million new bridge was commissioned by Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) to handle the 13 million visitors it expects when it opens in early 2010.

Australian-based engineering and construction company McConnell Dowell started the bridge project in March 2008.

The new bridge will carry traffic from the mainland to Sentosa. The existing bridge will carry traffic the other way.

When enhancement of the Sentosa Gateway is completed, there will be a three-lane carriageway for traffic in each direction.

Mike Barclay, CEO of Sentosa Leisure Group, said: 'Sentosa Gateway is poised to take on the increase in traffic when RWS opens and as more residents move into Sentosa Cove.'

RWS's executive vice-president of projects, Michael Chin, said: 'We built the new bridge as we are committed to providing our visitors a world-class destination. Their memorable experience must include hassle-free access to and from our resort and Sentosa.'

In 2008, the Land Transport Authority announced a package of road improvement measures aimed at enhancing travel for visitors to the Sentosa-HarbourFront area, including the construction of a new Gateway Tunnel to meet a long-term increase in traffic volume.

The tunnel is slated for completion in 2015.

Sentosa Leisure Group will boost transport on the island by increasing the Sentosa Express fleet.

Mount Faber Leisure Group will upgrade and expand its cable car system and rebrand the cable cars as a premium gateway to Sentosa.