NICOLL HIGHWAY CENTRE CARRIAGEWAY (Reversal of traffic flow)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, in view of the heavy traffic along Nicoll Highway when big matches are on at the National Stadium, if the authority will consider reversing the direction of traffic flow along the centre carriageway.

Mr Bernard Chen (for the Minister for Home Affairs and Education): Sir, the hon. Member for Sambawang will be pleased to know that since April 1974 reversal of normal traffic flow in the centre carriageway of Nicoll Highway has been implemented whenever major matches took place at the National Stadium. Part of the traffic leaving the Stadium towards the city is diverted to the centre carriageway, easing the flow of traffic towards the city. Buses, lorries, pickups and motor-cycles which are normally prohibited from travelling in the centre carriageway are also allowed free passage. As soon as the traffic emerging from the Stadium eases, the normal direction of flow in the centre carriageway is restored. The Traffic Police will continue to monitor traffic conditions and direct traffic flow along Nicoll Highway when there are big matches at the National Stadium.

Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten): Sir, in the event of an accident, will the same reversal be implemented?

Mr Bernard Chen: I mentioned just now that the Traffic Police will monitor the traffic flow. If there are accidents taking place, the reversal of lanes will take place according to the circumstances of the accident at that time.