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SINGAPORE: The three new linkways at the Southern Ridges cost the Urban Redevelopment Authority S$25.5 million to build.
To enjoy the view on foot, one must be prepared to spend at least two and half hours to cover the entire attraction. Harbour views in the day and city lights at night are some of the sights one can enjoy while strolling along the Henderson Waves bridge.
At a height of 36 metres or 12 storeys from the road, it's the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. The 300-metre bridge links up the parks at Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill.
The bridge is constructed using steel and all-weather timber which can be found in Southeast Asia. As a lot of wood was used in the decking, the National Parks Board (NParks), which is maintaining the structure, said smoking will be prohibited for safety reasons.
Beyond the Henderson Waves Bridge and a one-kilometre hilltop walk, you also get to experience the meandering forest walk and earth trails. But NParks assures that these are harmless.
The 1.3 kilometre raised walkway, with heights ranging from three to 18 metres, brushes the canopy of the secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill.
And NParks said the trees are inspected regularly. It has also made sure that there are no overhanging branches over the forest walk.
While this will help prevent visitors from being hurt by fallen branches, NParks hopes people can be responsible for their own safety and avoid the trail during thunderstorms.
It's also keeping an eye on security.
Kong Yit San, Director, Parks, NParks, said: "We do have interconnecting staircases, exits and entrances clearly marked, while the forest walk goes through a secondary forest. It's also quite near to HDB areas and certain residences. So we don't feel that there is a high security concern. But nevertheless, this is a new thing, we will be sending so-called maintenance crew on a daily basis to check out in case some naughty kids (who) decide to mess with it (or) add something to it. Just challenge us in maintenance."
According to NParks, the other new bridge, the Alexandra Arch will be easier to maintain.
It spreads out like an opened leaf over Alexandra Road and will lead visitors to Hort Park and on to Kent Ridge Park.
To commemorate the event, the Monetary Authority of Singapore has launched the Singapore Identity Plan (Southern Ridges) Coin.
These limited collections will be sold by the Singapore Mint. - CNA/vm
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