Read Bridge, Singapore
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
Read Bridge
Read Bridge is a beam-structured bridge at Clarke Quay within the Singapore River Planning Area in Singapore. The bridge crosses the Singapore River linking Clarke Quay to Swissôtel Merchant Court. Read Bridge was built in 1881 and opened in 1889 by the Governor of Singapore Clementi Smith. It is opened to pedestrians and bicycles.
Read Bridge was named after William Henry Macleod Read, a prominent resident in Singapore and Consul for Holland between 1857 and 1885. The bridge's construction took place in 1881 and was completed in 1889. Locals call it the Malacca Bridge, due to its proximity to Kampong Melaka at Merchant Road. The Hokkiens call it Kam Pong Ma Lah Kah Kio (Kampong Malacca Bridge).
Read Bridge was also known as Green Bridge because it was painted that colour. It was a favourite hangout for coolies and tongkang rowers. The southern side was called Cha Chun Tau, meaning Pier for Firewood Boats, in reference to boats carrying firewood from Indonesia that berth there. Piles of firewood lined the streets in the olden days.
