Speeding cars high above us. That is the Keppel Viaduct. It is not just a road. It is a key part of Singapore’s expressway system. The Keppel Viaduct is an elevated highway in downtown Singapore.
The Keppel Viaduct connects two major expressways. These are the Marina Coastal Expressway and the Ayer Rajah Expressway. The Ayer Rajah Expressway connects with the Central Expressway. The Keppel Viaduct is considered part of the Ayer Rajah Expressway. It plays a vital role in Singapore’s transport network.
The expressway and Keppel Viaduct were completed in 1983. This improved travel across the island. The first blueprint for Singapore’s expressways was made in 1968. Authorities knew expressways were best for faster travel in Singapore.
Before expressways like the Keppel Viaduct, driving was slow. Driving from Changi Airport to Jurong could take a very long time. Expressways improved traffic and travel times. An expressway lane could move 1800 to 2000 vehicles per hour.
The Keppel Viaduct has seen changes over the years. In 2016, the Land Transport Authority announced plans to widen it. The Keppel Viaduct went from three lanes each way to four. This was to support development in the area. The exit ramp to Shenton Way was rebuilt. The access ramp from Keppel Road toward the East Coast Parkway was widened. The exit ramp to Keppel Road toward Sentosa was widened as well. It went from one lane to two.
The widening project took place from 2011 to 2015. The project cost about SGD 79.8 million. The project included designing new structural elements. It also surveyed the condition of the existing viaduct. Structural assessments and strengthening proposals were done. A road safety review was part of it too.
The Keppel Viaduct is about 2.2 km long. It starts from Pier P1. It joins the South Quay Viaduct in the east. It goes to Pier P68. Then it connects to the rest of the Ayer Rajah Expressway in the west.
The Ayer Rajah Expressway, or AYE, was once named Jurong Expressway. The plan was to build a coastal expressway like the East Coast Parkway. The expressway was named AYE after Ayer Rajah Industrial Estate. The Jurong Town Corporation developed it in the early seventies.
The AYE project had two phases. One was the Keppel Viaduct. It ran between the East Coast Parkway and Kampong Bahru Road. The second phase upgraded Ayer Rajah and Upper Ayer Rajah Roads. These became part of the new expressway.
The Keppel Viaduct was finished in 1985. This happened after two years of planning and construction. It cost SGD 60 million. The Keppel Viaduct eased traffic on Keppel Road.
The Keppel Viaduct is more than concrete and asphalt. It represents Singapore’s commitment to progress. It shows how the country adapts to meet changing needs. The Keppel Viaduct stands as a testament to Singapore’s forward-thinking approach. It is a vital artery in the nation’s transport system.