NEW UPPER CHANGI ROAD (Pedestrian crossing facilities)

Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are plans to construct an overhead bridge at New Upper Changi Road near the Bedok Sports Complex, when the work will commence and when it is expected to be completed; and (b) whether his Ministry will look into the possibility of installing a signalised pedestrian crossing across New Upper Changi Road in the vicinity of the Changi Theatre.

Mr Speaker: Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin.

Mr Rohan bin Kamis: Question No. 12, Sir.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department has a plan to build an overhead pedestrian bridge at New Upper Changi Road near the Bedok Sports Complex. Construction is scheduled to commence in April 1981, subject to the availability of funds.

Our field observations show that pedestrians can cross without difficulty New Upper Changi Road in the vicinity of Changi Theatre, as there are gaps in the traffic flow along this stretch of New Upper Changi Road, which are created by the traffic lights at Bedok South Road and Bedok North Road, A signalised pedestrian crossing at this location is therefore not recommended, as it will only reduce the traffic capacity of New Upper Changi Road.