Designed by R. J. Hollis-Bee of the then Public Works Department (now CPG Corporation), the bridge was officially opened on 17 August 1956.

The Merdeka Bridge carries Nicoll Highway, a semi-expressway connecting Kallang with the Singapore downtown.

[2] Merdeka Bridge provides a main link between the east coast and the city via the Nicoll Highway.

Each lion had its back positioned, facing a tall blue mosaic monument adorned with the crest of the City of Singapore at the top.

[3] These sculptures were designed initially by the Public Works Department's L W Carpenter and contracted to Hong Kong based Italian sculptor and stone supplier Raoul Bigazzi.