BEDOK NORTH ESTATE (Improvement to traffic flow)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development whether his Ministry (i) will take steps to improve the traffic flow into and out of Bedok North Housing Estate, as there is heavy traffic congestion at the junctions with the Pan Island Expressway and New Upper Changi Road during peak hours; and (ii) plans to construct a slipway from the Pan Island Expressway into Bedok New Town for traffic from Changi Airport, as at present motorists have to make a U-turn at Jalan Eunos and back track along the Pan Island Expressway to get to the flyover which gives access into Bedok New Town, and, if not, why not.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, traffic conditions in Bedok New Town are being continuously monitored by the Public Works Department (PWD). Their observations show that the traffic situation along the Town's major roads and at the Lorong Chin Chin Interchange with the PanIsland Expressway (PIE) has been satisfactory.

There is some congestion near New Upper Changi Road and Bedok North Avenue 1 intersection. This will be relieved by the widening of New Upper Changi Road between Siglap Road and Bedok North Avenue 1 from dual two lanes to dual three lanes. The road widening will also enlarge traffic capacity at the junction. When works are completed in October this year, traffic flow in this part of Bedok will improve considerably.

There is no plan to construct a slip road from the PIE into Bedok New Town, as there are already very good alternative access roads from Changi Airport to Bedok New Town. Residents returning from the Airport can use either the East Coast Parkway and Bedok South Avenue 1, or the PIE and New Upper Changi Road.