Clemenceau Avenue was originally part of Tank Road, which has since been much reduced in length. In 1919, this stretch of Tank Road was renamed in honour of French Premier Georges Clemenceau (1844-1929), who officiated in turning the sod of earth for the creation of the road. He was visiting Singapore on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Cenotaph in 1920. Clemenceau Avenue was completed five years later, and took his name.
The bridge taking Clemenceau Avenue across the Singapore River is also known as Clemenceau Bridge, after the premier. Running under Clemenceau Avenue is the Central Expressway (CTE), which follows its entire route before continuing north.