OVERHEAD BRIDGES AND UNDERGROUND TUNNELS

OVERHEAD BRIDGES AND UNDERGROUND TUNNELS:

(Inspection programme): 17.

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for Transport (a) what inspection programme is there to ensure that overhead bridges and underground tunnels in Singapore are structurally sound; (b) over the last five years, whether any serious concerns were discovered during these inspections; and (c) if so, what were these concerns and what steps were taken to rectify them.

The Minister of State for Transport (Mrs Lim Hwee Hua) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Speaker, Sir, LTA has a systematic programme of regular inspections and maintenance for our vehicular bridges and tunnels. There are essentially two types of inspections: maintenance inspections and principal inspections.

The LTA's maintenance team carries out maintenance inspections of each structure at least once a year. During the maintenance inspection, the team will look out for any potential safety hazard and defect, such as spalling concrete, cracks and defective bridge joints. Any defect is promptly rectified.

In addition, principal inspections that involve close examination of all the parts

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of the structure are carried out by Professional Engineers once every four years. If recommended by the Professional Engineer, the LTA will carry out special inspections of the structure. Such special inspections may include material testing and independent assessment of structural adequacy.

The two types of inspection programmes have ensured prompt action to rectify any defect, to ensure that our vehicular tunnels and bridges are structurally sound. So far, only minor repairs, such as grouting of superficial cracks, have been required.

Mr Speaker: Mdm Cynthia Phua, you have half a minute.

Mdm Cynthia Phua (Aljunied): Mr Speaker, Sir, just one question. In view of the tremor that we felt recently because of the Indonesian earthquake, can our bridges sustain that?

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[ Pursuant to Standing Order No. 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 20, 26, 28, 30 and 34 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix*. Question Nos. 18-19, 21-25, 27, 29, 31-33 and 35-41 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 18th September 2007. ]

*Cols. 1635-1644.