As the first stride towards rejuvenating Mandai into an integrated nature and wildlife precinct, Mandai Wildlife Bridge was constructed to reconnect the two forest patches of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve for the first time in sixty years since they were first separated by Mandai Lake Road. This 140m-long bridge is designed to facilitate ecological connectivity and to improve the genetic diversity of both plant and animal species.
Due to the extremely constricted site conditions, several innovative engineering solutions have been developed to overcome the challenges faced. Beginning from the design phase, 3D-modeling has been adopted extensively to perform clash-checking for post-tensioned precast beams which were skewed and connected at various angles as well as to design each piece of precast facade panels uniquely to form a non-uniform architectural arc for the bridge.
Additionally, unconventional working platform and system formwork have been devised with substantial safety considerations for the construction of inclined columns and skewed buttress retaining walls. As a result of the hard ground condition, the earth retaining stabilising structure (ERSS) has been installed in an uncommon fashion with the deployment of crush piler too.
Further to the establishment of Mandai Wildlife Bridge, the project also required the construction of pilecaps for North Zone of new Bird Park, pumping station for the Rainforest South, RC retaining walls and up to 6m-high Geo-reinforced retaining wall with earth anchors to facilitate the road widening works as well as the laying of new set of underground services.
Certainly, this was a fast-paced project that involved multiple stages of distinctive and complex works. Nonetheless, a slew of measures was put in place to mitigate any adverse impacts that might bring upon to the neighbouring forest biodiversity during the course of work.