TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT UPPER SERANGOON ROAD (Measures to ease congestion)

Mr R. A. Gonzales asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) whether he is aware of traffic jams in the morning and evening at the 5th mile and 6th mile, Upper Serangoon Road: (b) whether and when the proposals made to him in 1964 by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health who is the Member for Upper Serangoon, that two overhead bridges for pedestrians be constructed, one at the 5th mile and one at the 6th mile, Upper Serangoon Road, will be implemented: and (c) what other measures does the Government intend to take to ease the traffic congestion at the 5th mile Upper Serangoon Road, and if he will give details with an indication when they will be put into effect.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware of traffic congestion during rush hours at the 5th and 6th m.s. Upper Serangoon Road, particularly at the 5th mile where the restricted junction of two major roads with heavy traffic converge.

Consideration has been given to proposals for overhead pedestrian bridges to be constructed to assist pedestrians crossing the road at this point, but it is not likely to be a measure that will contribute to alleviating the traffic congestion. It is also very doubtful if the pedestrians will use the overhead bridge when they can quickly cross the very narrow stretch of road. The question whether overhead bridges should he constructed at this and similar junctions in Singapore is under serious study. A few overhead bridges will be built to test reaction and, if found inappropriate, will be dismantled. One such overhead bridge has been proposed at this point.

The Public Works Department has been working on a proposal to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at this junction by widening that stretch of Upper Serangoon Road between Paya Lebar Road and Yio Chu Kang Road to accommodate six lanes of traffic instead of the present four. Another proposal under consideration is the construction of a new stretch of road between the 5th and 6th m.s. Upper Serangoon Road and running parallel partly to Upper Serangoon Road towards Paya Lebar Road to meet that road near the Singapore Telephone Board Exchange. This, however, is a long-term solution which can only be constructed in stages and will probably be slow because it involves land acquisition and resettlement.

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Poh Ber Liak :-