In 2004, while visiting Marina Bay, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew realised that pedestrians had to walk to Esplanade Bridge to cross the Singapore River, which he believed to be too narrow. Due to this, Jubilee Bridge was designed to run along Esplanade Bridge at a lower and more pedestrian-friendly level.[3][4] Plans for the bridge were first announced in 2009, and construction began in 2012.[5] The bridge cost $17.7 million and 28 months to build.[6] The bridge was to open in April 2015, but it was unofficially opened on 29 March following the death of Lee Kuan Yew as a final farewell.[7][8] The bridge was opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2015.[9]