SAFETY AT TAMPINES JUNCTION

SAFETY AT TAMPINES JUNCTION

44.

Mr Sin Boon Ann asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many accidents have taken place since the commencement of the new traffic direction at the junction of Tampines Avenue 10 and Tampines Avenue 1; and (b) what further measures is the LTA taking to improve traffic safety at the junction.

Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat: The junction of Tampines Avenue 1 with Tampines Avenue 10 used to be a T-junction before it was converted into a cross junction on 18th July this year, as part of the road widening project for Tampines Avenue 10. The new traffic arrangement prevents potentially dangerous cross-traffic between vehicles coming from the Kaki Bukit Viaduct and Bedok North Road. The new junction is also more efficient at discharging traffic.

The old T-junction was identified as an accident-prone location from the traffic accident statistics in that area. As such, additional safety enhancement measures have been incorporated in the design for the new cross junction. In particular, as the majority of the accidents in the past had primarily involved vehicles making right turns from Tampines Avenue 10 to Tampines Avenue 1, the traffic movement at this junction is now fully controlled by traffic signals. Motorists are allowed to proceed into the intersection only when permitted by the traffic signals. This enhances safety at the junction.

As the configuration of the junction is new, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed various traffic signs and markings along the affected stretches of road to alert motorists to the new road system, and has also engaged the surrounding residents to inform them of the new traffic arrangement. More traffic signs and markings will also be installed in the coming weeks.

Based on the accident records from the Traffic Police, there has been only one minor accident at the location since the new junction was completed. LTA will continue to monitor the performance of this junction, and introduce additional measures if necessary.

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