PROGRESS OF CIRCLE LINE

PROGRESS OF CIRCLE LINE

7.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Transport (a) if he will give a progress update on the Circle Line and when each stage of the Line will be completed; (b) when will the Ministry announce the date when each stage will complete above-ground works such that the road traffic in affected areas will return to normalcy; and (c) when will the Farrer and Buona Vista stations be operational and the above-ground works for these stations be completed.

Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat: Circle Line Stages 1 and 2, from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley stations, will commence operations in the first half of 2010. The remaining section of the Circle Line, Stages 4 and 5 from Marymount to Harbourfront stations, will open in 2011. This section includes the

Column: 1669

Farrer and Buona Vista stations. The Circle Line Extension, which comprises Bayfront and Marina Bay stations, will be opened in 2012.

The above-ground works for Circle Line Stages 1 and 2 will be completed by end-2009. This means that all entrances will be completed and the roads re-aligned and restored back to their original state. I know that motorists and other members of the local community have patiently endured the road diversions and inconvenience created by the construction works, especially around the Paya Lebar area. They will not have to wait much longer.

For Circle Line Stages 4 and 5, Marymount to Harbourfront stations, their above-ground works will be completed by end-2010. Again, I understand that the construction has caused some inconvenience, particularly along Farrer Road. Let me assure the Member that LTA will re-align and restore Farrer Road to how it was, by the end of next year. In the meantime, we appreciate the support and understanding of all the affected parties. When the full Circle Line is completed, the public will enjoy the benefits of the added convenience and connectivity of the new MRT line.

Column: 1669