Top 10 Remarkable Facts about the Helix Bridge

Helix Bridge & Marina Bay Sands at Night by Zairon from Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about the Helix Bridge

The Helix Bridge is a stunning pedestrian bridge in Singapore.

It’s a world’s architectural wonder that attracts many tourists to the area. Besides, it links Marina Central to Marina South within the Marina Bay area of Singapore. Providing pedestrians connection between the newly developed Bayfront district and the city’s CBD (Central Business District).

Here are outstanding truths about the Helix Bridge.

1. Helix Bridge’s unique feature is the DNA structure

Helix Bridge by Zairon from Wikimedia Commons

The bridge’s model was inspired by the DNA structure of human beings. The style and design of the bridge bear a resemblance to the international left-handed DNA. This type of DNA is the opposite of normal DNA.

Even more to this DNA-like structure is the pairs of colored letters c and g, and letters a and t. They light up red and green at night to add to the spectacle of the bridge’s night illumination.

These four letters stand in for cytosine, guanine, adenine, and thymine. This four are the human DNA bases. The concept secured a place for Helix Bridge in the Left Handed DNA Hall of Fame in 2010.

2. Helix Bridge was opened in 2010

The opening of the bridge came on 24 April 2010. But only part of it was operational as construction went on at the Marina Bay Sands. It was until 18 July 2010 that the entire bridge was completed.

3. The bridge cost S$68 million

The Helix Bridge and Marina Bay Sands Hotel by Giorces from Wikimedia Commons

Helix Bridge is a massive structure the first of its kind in the world. The double helix design in which the bridge is made consists of a major and minor helix.

The length of the bridge is about 280 meters. The stainless steel that is part of the helix structure is about 2.3 kilometers in length if stretched end to end. It is elevated almost nine meters above water which can translate to the height of three stories.

The high elevation allows boats to pass through Marina Bay and Marina Channel. This construction can support 16,000 people at one time. The cost to erect this huge site was S$68 million.

4. Helix bridge took two years to establish

Construction work began in 2007 and was completed and opened in 2010. The masterpiece is the work of Australian architect Philip Sutton Cox. He is the founder of Philip Cox and Associates one of Australia’s largest architectural practices.

5. The Helix is a Footbridge

Helix Bridge at night by Dietmar Rabich from Wikimedia Commons

Helix Bridge falls into the footbridge category of bridges. That means it’s a pedestrian-only bridge. The bridge is open 24 hours anytime and is a perfect way to have a full walk around Marina Bay.

It’s sheltered so you are protected from sun or rain effects giving it a cool ambiance to enjoy your walk. Four strategic viewing points offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and Marina Bay. The layout provides a picturesque backdrop for your selfies and snaps.

6. Helix bridge crosses two water bodies

This bridge crosses the Singapore river and Marina Bay. This is the connection to South and Central Marina uniting the two sides at the Marina Bay zone.

7. The bridge goes by several names

Helix Bridge began as the “Double Helix Bridge.” It acquired this name because it sits beside another bridge, the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Its also accompanied by another vehicular bridge known as the Bayfront Bridge, hence its double helix reference. The popular name is Helix Bridge but the official name is “The Helix.”

8. The Helix is near Singapore’s longest bridge

Helix Bridge View from Stamford by Zairon from Wikimedia Commons

The Benjamin Sheares Bridge and Helix Bridge are beside each other. Benjamin Sheares Bridge is about 1.8 kilometers in length and goes up 29 meters or 95 feet high. Thus making it Singapore’s highest and longest bridge.

It’s named in honor of the second president of Singapore, Benjamin Sheares. He died on 12 May 1981 and the bridge was opened on 26 September 1981. Four months after his death.

9. The Helix lighting provides stunning night views

Helix Bridge at Night by Zairon from Wikimedia Commons

The skyline of Singapore from the bridge is one to admire either day or night time. The viewing platforms that are in-built on the bridge enable visitors to marvel at the facility’s unique skyline view of the city and surroundings.

These watching decks hold up to about 100 people at a time. Whenever there are water events near Singapore Downtown, they offer front-row spots to observers.

The spiral curves of the construction are enhanced by the lights attached to it. This aids those that walk on the bridge when the dark sets in. Yet still, ensure magical night appearance of the bridge and the nearby district.

10. The bridge has featured in the Westworld television series

Helix Bridge earned an appearance on HBO produced and aired science fiction television series Westworld. It featured in the third season of the series. The film has Evan Rachel Wood starring as well as Anthony Hopkins, Thandie Newton, and more film greats.

The Helix opening ceremony on April 24, 2010, which unlocked half of the bridge for use was full of glamour. Firework displays told of the splendor of the structure. The construction has over the years maintained its architectural glory depicting creativity and authenticity.

The result is that the building has earned praises and awards appreciation. Such as the World’s Best Transport Building by the World Architecture Festival Awards (WAF Awards) in 2010. In the same year, the Helix was given a place in the Left Handed DNA Hall of Fame 2010.