EXPRESSWAYS

EXPRESSWAYS:

(Update on construction plans): 6.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Transport with the opening of the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (a) what is the latest update on the traffic flow along other expressways like the Central Expressway; and (b) whether the Government will accelerate the construction programme for the new North-South Expressway.

The Second Minister for Transport (Mrs Lim Hwee Hua) (for the Minister for Transport): With the opening of the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), traffic conditions have improved along the Central Expressway (CTE). This is reflected in the Quarterly ERP Rate Review carried out in February 2009, where a $0.50 rate reduction was made for the ERP gantry along south-bound CTE before Braddell Road, during the period between 8.30 am and 9.00 am. Currently, traffic along the CTE is smooth flowing, with traffic speeds within the range for optimal flow.

LTA has also embarked on a project to widen the CTE to cater to the increasing traffic demand. When completed by the end of 2011, the CTE stretch between

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Bukit Timah Road and Yio Chu Kang Road will have four continuous lanes throughout, which will help to further improve traffic flow on the CTE.

Based on the infrastructure improvements and LTA's forecast of traffic demand, the North-South Expressway (NSE), which will provide additional capacity to cater to the increase in travel demand from the North and North-East, will only be needed by 2020. Hence, there is no need to accelerate the construction of the North-South Expressway.

Er Lee Bee Wah: Sir, I like to ask the Minister, since the completion of KPE and the traffic flow is satisfactory, will the Minister consider abolishing evening ERP along the CTE?

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua: Sir, if there are significant improvements in the traffic speeds, these would be captured through the quarterly reviews and adjustments will be made accordingly.