TAMPINES WAY/TAMPINES ROAD (Construction of pedestrian overhead bridge)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will consider the construction of a pedestrian overhead bridge at the junction of Tampines Way and Tampines Road as this place is accident-prone and several accidents have, occurred there.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, Tampines Road is narrow and cannot justify the construction of an overhead bridge. The Public Works Department recently carried out a study of pedestrian and vehicle traffic volumes at the junction of Tampines Way and Tampines Road. It was found that during peak hours an average of 130 pedestrians cross Tampines Road at this point. There was an average delay of eight seconds before they were able to cross the road. By exercising a little patience and care, pedestrians can cross in safety. Accident records show that there were only five accidents at this junction in 1975, of which three involved pedestrians and fortunately none was fatal. The situation will be kept under constant review.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker. Sir, the Minister of State, in reply, mentioned that there was a survey in 1975. But 2½ months of 1976 have elapsed, and so would the Minister of State consider the feasibility -- and this is in conjunction with other departments -- of providing some form of safety measure at this traffic junction?

Dr Tan Eng Liang: Sir, I have already indicated that "the situation will be kept under constant review." The Ministry of National Development, together with the relevant authorities such as the Traffic Police, will be too happy to consider whether any interim measure could be taken until construction of an overhead bridge is justified.