Installation of Noise Barriers along Stretches of Central Expressway

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider installing noise barriers along stretches of the Central Expressway that have residential homes facing the expressway as a pilot trial to minimise the elevated noise level arising from the expanded road lanes and passing vehicles.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: LTA is starting a trial to install road noise barriers at three locations to study their technical feasibility and effectiveness. The overall study will take about three years to complete and LTA will consider the feasibility of implementing such noise barriers at other locations after the trial. Meanwhile, for the Central Expressway (CTE), noise mitigation measures were implemented during the widening. These included planting more trees along stretches facing residences, and using a more porous road pavement mix that helps to lower traffic noise. LTA will continue to explore with the relevant agencies additional measures to lower noise levels for the CTE.