The Yishun Dam improvement project began in late 2024 to connect the dam to Singapore's 380km park connector network. This means that anyone accessing the park connector network can now enjoy the unique, scenic, open-sky views of this Yishun icon. Well, they can even see the industrial coast of Malaysia as they stroll, jog or cycle across the dam. 😊

Connecting Yishun Dam to PCN

The project really aims to replace the existing stone surfaces of Yishun dam, which are bumpy,  uneven and full of drain grooves that you have to hop over, with park-connector style smooth walking, jogging and cycling paths. This makes the dam more accessible to residents and visitors as a recreational hotspot.

In fact, it is not just the pedestrian surface of the dam that is being enhanced - the paths leading to the dam are also re-paved, and the bi-directional vehicular lanes entering and leaving the dam are also being expanded.

If you are interested to see Yishun Dam in its full glory before the improvement works started, check out our post in Jan 2025 - The Beautiful Dam of Yishun.

Features of the park connector

The park connector is being constructed across the full length of the 975-metre-long Yishun Dam. Like all park connectors, there will be lanes designated for pedestrian and cycling use.

A notable feature of the park connector is the planned link or bridge over the PUB flood-gate structure. This will serve as a crucial connection point for active mobility users, facilitating seamless movement between both sides of the dam. 

Current status of the project

As of now, the Yishun Dam improvement project is under construction, with improvement works initiated in late 2024. The project is expected to progress progressively, with completion projected by mid-2026. 

At October 2025, we can already see that the paths leading from Yishun town towards Yishun dam are 80% complete, along with new lamp posts and a new bus stop. Now, the improvement works are focused on the last 50 metres leading to the dam as well as the entire 975 meters of Yishun Dam.

The last 50 metres of path leading to the dam gets pretty narrow (about the width of 1-2 persons), so it is not suitable for large groups at the moment.

Along the full length of the dam, only a narrow path of 1-2 persons' width is navigable while the improvement works have already begun on the remaining portions of the path.

At the entry point of the dam, you can also see the link bridge structure in place, intended for active mobility users to cross the spillway smoothly and safely.

Parting Thoughts

Improvements are always double-edged. They are beneficial as they make the beautiful views of the iconic site more usable and accessible to more people - be it residents or visitors.

On the other hand, for those who have known the rustic charm of the dam since the 90s and seen locals gathering in the evening, strolling, playing mahjong, have a barbeque or picnic, it might feel like we will soon lose that part of the charm.

Still, I eagerly look forward to the completion of the Yishun Dam improvements in 2026 and re-experience the new magic of the dam 🪄.