Monday, June 29, 2009

A visit to Marina Barrage



I have heard of a few friends who have visited the Marina Barrage. Out of curiosity, I took a trip down to Marina Barrage on my own on 30 May 2009.

To get to the Marina Barrage, I took the MRT train to Marina Bay MRT Station. Then I looked out for the signs directing me to the bus-stop where I can take a free shuttle bus service to get to the Marina Barrage.

There are some lovely sights that one can get at the Marina Barrage. I was fairly fascinated with how the crest gates of the Marina Barrage's Bridge works.




When I was in the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, I had the opportunity to see a barrage model demonstrate how the Marina Barrage works. Interesting, when it rains heavily during low tide, the barrage’s crest gates will be lowered to release excess water from the reservoir into the sea. The photo right below demonstrates how the crest gates will be lowered in such a situation.




What about when it is raining heavily during high tide? It is a great design concept in my opinion that the Marina Barrage could serve as a flood control even during times of heavy rain and high tide. During such times, the crest gates remain closed and giant pumps are activated to drain excess water out to the sea.


The architecture of the Marina Barrage is fairly interesting. I particularly like the large open spaces at the green roof top of the Marina Barrage. Two gentlemen were flying kites at the roof when I was there.




One can get some nice views from the green roof of the Marina Barrage. Go up there on a good-weather day and enjoy just being there.

For the folks who like a day out close to a reservoir in the city, Marina Barrage is one place to visit.

***
Marina Barrage
260 Marina Way, Singapore 018976

Opening Hours:

Marina Barrage : All day

Sustainable Singapore Gallery :
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (Closed on Tue)
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

1 comment:

pinkie said...

This is one place that I wanna bring kids to! Thanks for the info and lovely pics! :)