Singapore is set to construct a bridge across Upper Bukit Timah Road by 2026, connecting Bukit Batok Nature Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve through the Rail Corridor. This initiative, known as the “eco-pedestrian bridge,” aims to improve wildlife habitat, reduce the risk of accidents involving animals crossing the busy Upper Bukit Timah Road, and provide a safe passage for pedestrians.
The National Parks Board (NParks) announced the project on May 27, following the success of the wildlife-exclusive Eco-Link@BKE that was completed in 2013. NParks shared that around 100 wildlife species have been observed using the Eco-Link@BKE to date. While the exact location of the upcoming bridge is yet to be determined, NParks is actively involved in the planning process.
Based on an ecological profiling exercise conducted in 2022, NParks identified the need for an ecological corridor to allow animals to travel between green spaces, spanning from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the Western Water Catchment. By enabling the safe movement of native species between these areas, the bridge will contribute to their thriving ecosystem, expanding their habitat and genetic diversity for long-term resilience.
The necessity for the bridge is underscored by animals frequently crossing Upper Bukit Timah Road, resulting in unfortunate collisions with vehicles. NParks emphasizes that the new bridge will accommodate both pedestrians and wildlife, fostering seamless connectivity between the two green spaces.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Bukit Batok Nature Park are rich in biodiversity, hosting over 1,250 plant species and more than 1,800 wildlife species. The forthcoming eco-pedestrian bridge will complement existing initiatives that facilitate the movement of native wildlife between Thomson Nature Park, Old Upper Thomson Road, and Bukit Batok Nature Corridor. These measures include canopy linkages, aerial rope bridges, and culverts, which have been observed to be frequented by various wildlife species, offering valuable insights for future planning.
In a notable case, rope bridges installed along Old Upper Thomson Road have been utilized by the critically endangered Raffles banded langur, as reported by The Straits Times in 2020. An NParks study investigating wildlife crossing preferences at Old Upper Thomson Road found that nocturnal animals frequently utilized the road when it was closed to vehicular traffic, highlighting the importance of establishing diverse wildlife crossings.
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