PEDESTRIAN OVERHEAD BRIDGES (Particulars)

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim asked the Minister for Law and National Development how many pedestrian overhead bridges have been built to-date and the total cost incurred; and how many such bridges will be built in 1969.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, to date, 22 pedestrian overhead bridges have been completed at the total cost of $497,000. Ten more pedestrian bridges are expected to be built in 1969.

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim (Kallang): Will the Minister inform the House of the locations of the ten bridges to be built in 1969?

Mr Barker: Sir, of the ten bridges that are to be built this year, seven will be located at the following areas:

(a) the junction of Serangoon and Beatty Roads;

(b) the junction of Serangoon and Towner Roads;

(c) the junction of Kreta Ayer Road and Neil Road;

(d) the junction of New Bridge Road and Pagoda Street;

(e) New Bridge Road, opposite Hong Lim Park;

(f) Paya Lebar Road, near Jalan Afifi; and

(g) Upper Serangoon Road, near Simon Road.

In fact, the last is under construction and is expected to be completed on the 14th April, 1969. Sites for the other three bridges have as yet not been chosen.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, will the Minister consider building an overhead bridge near Kandang Kerbau Market?

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, the location of pedestrian bridges is considered by a working committee which includes representatives from the Tra ffic Police, the Planning Department and the Public Works Department.

If the hon. Member desires that an overhead bridge be built at Kandang Kerbau, near the market, I would suggest that he makes a representation to this committee for their consideration.