KALLANG RIVER (Construction of bridge)

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) what type of bridge it is proposed to build across the Kallang River as part of the East Coast Expressway; (b) when work will commence and how long it will take to complete; (c) whether the proposed bridge will cost more than the bridge also to be built across the Singapore River and by how much; and (d) if he will confirm that the proposed bridge will not hinder the passage of ships to and from the shipyards and slipways along the Kallang River.

Mr Lim Kim San: The type of bridge proposed for the Kallang River crossing is a high-level prestressed concrete bridge.

Work will commence on 1st January, 1977 and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 1980.

The bridge over Kallang Basin which is 1099 metres is estimated to cost $35.7 million and that over Singapore River which is 403 metres $18.7 million. However, the two bridges are linked and will form a continuous elevated structure.

The proposed bridge over the Kallang River will not hinder the passage of ships to and from the shipyards and slipways as it is 29 metres above high water level.