Engineering to Improve Connectivity: Pang Sua Canal

Pang Sua Canal Bridge. Credits: The Straits Times 

Reliable and relevant infrastructure is required to connect households to places of employment, education and healthcare among many others.

On 6 May 2019, The Straits Times published an article on how a restored bridge over Pang Sua Canal boosted connectivity for the residents of Senja ward in Bukit Panjang. ECAS Consultants provided professional engineering services for the rehabilitation project.

Read full article here: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/restored-bridge-over-pang-sua-canal-links-up-bukit-panjang-boosts-connectivity-for 

The article tells of a student who lived in Blk 629 Senja Road who used to travel for about 35 minutes to get to school, which was less than 600m from his house. Pang Sua Canal separated his home from Jurong Pinoeer Junior College and required him to take a 1km detour with 2 bus rides. With the newly built foot path and restored bridge over Pang Sua Canal however, he now only has to walk 15 minutes to reach his school. It is estimated that 3,500 could benefit from the improved connectivity in Senja ward alone.

The restoration of the bridge required the cooperation of three MPs and three government agencies – NParks, Public Utilities Board and Land Transportation Authority – as well as the Municipal Services Office (MSO) to coordinate the work. The Government spent about $500,000 on improvement works for the bridge, footpath and lighting.