Singapore plans audacious new twisting bridge

SINGAPORE, Mar 7 (Reuters) Singapore Monday unveiled an audacious plan to build a helix-shaped bridge that will link a massive new tourist development, including a giant Ferris wheel and casino complex on reclaimed land.

The bridge, which will cost around S million, is believed to be the world's first to resemble the structure of DNA, the genetic material.

Singapore aims to double visitor arrivals to 17 million and triple tourism receipts to S billion by 2015 with new projects such as two planned casino-resorts and a 170-meter high (558 feet) Ferris wheel.

The nearby resort island of Sentosa is also being developed.

Tourism is one of the biggest service industries in the city-state of 4.4 million people, generating more than 5 per cent of gross domestic product.

REUTERS SI RK1155