Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore

Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore (11 September, 2010)

Cavenagh Bridge (GPS: 1.28657, 103.85234) is a pedestrian bridge across the Singapore River. It connects Empress Place on the north bank to Fullerton Square on the south bank. It was built in 1870 and was opened in conjunction with the celebration of Singapore becoming a Crown colony with the abolishment of the British East India Company. Cavenagh Bridge is the oldest bridge in Singapore in its original form.

When it was first built, Cavenagh Bridge was named the Edinburgh Bridge, to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. The name was later changed in honour of Major General William Oefeur Cavenagh (1820 - 1891), the last Governor of the Straits Settlements to be appointed directly from India, who served from 1859 to 1867. The Cavenagh family coat of arms is still displayed at both ends of the bridge.

Cavenagh Bridge was built to make it easier to cross the Singapore River. Otherwise, the other options were to either make a long detour via Elgin Bridge further upriver, or take a boat across. When Cavenagh Bridge was first opened, it was used by vehicular traffic such as rickshaws and bullock carts. Over time, the traffic across Cavenagh Bridge increased so much that another bridge had to be built within the immediate vicinity. Anderson Bridge was constructed to take the load off Cavenagh Bridge, after which it was used only for pedestrian crossing.

Befitting its role as a heritage structure, the Cavenagh Bridge was restored and beautified. Light fixtures were added in the 1990s to enhance its architectural beauty. Around the bridge are several sculptures including those of the Singapura cats, or kucinta, regarded as one of the smallest breeds of cats in the world.