TRAFFIC CONGESTION (Relief Measures)

Mr Lim Koon Teck asked the Minister for Communications and Works what steps have been taken to relieve the congestion of the traffic at-

(i) the junction of Paya Lebar and Yio Chu Kang Roads; and

(ii) the 6th milestone Yio Chu Kang Road.

Mr Francis Thomas: I think perhaps I ought first to make clear, Mr Speaker, that there is no junction between Yio Chu Kang Road and Paya Lebar Road. They both join Upper Serangoon Road at points about 300 yards apart.

There are a number of proposals in connection with traffic congestion. The problem in this area has been considered by the Highways Co-ordination Committee which has large-scale proposals extending from here to the Merdeka Bridge. The whole thing links up. In this particular area the works include a widening of the Yio Chu Kang Road from the junction of Upper Serangoon Road, to the Serangoon Garden Estate, and a by-pass to give direct connection to Upper Serangoon Road at its junction with Paya Lebar Road. The widening of the Yio Chu Kang Road on each side at the 6th milestone will commence when the land acquisition proceedings and removal of' squatters have been completed; and the local authorities are being requested to' carry out the by-pass scheme which should also include the roundabout at the Paya Lebar/Serangoon Roads junction. Further relief in this immediate' area will require widening the Upper Serangoon Road between the Yio Chu Kang and Paya Lebar Roads' junctions, but as this would involve demolition of' shophouses, it is not an immediate possibility.