AYER RAJAH EXPRESSWAY (Development progress)

Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for National Development what is the progress on the development of Ayer Rajah Expressway, particularly the portion between the junction of Alexandra Road/Ayer Rajah Road and the junction of Clementi Road/Ayer Rajah Road; whether sufficient overhead bridges are built along the portion; and whether bus-stops are located near the Housing and Development Board Ayer Rajah Estate.

Mr Dhanabalan: Sir, the construction of the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) which runs from Shenton Way in the east to Jurong Town Hall Road in the west is being built in phases.

The Keppel Viaduct, part of the expressway, was opened to traffic in September 1985. The stretch from the viaduct to Alexandra Road was opened to traffic in May 1986.

The stretch of the expressway from Alexandra Road to Jurong Town Hall Road, which involves the upgrading of the existing Ayer Rajah Road and Upper Ayer Rajah Road to expressway standards, will be completed by May 1988.

Five pedestrian overhead bridges and one pedestrian underpass will be provided along the stretch of the expressway between Alexandra Road and Clementi Road. These crossings are sufficient to allow for safe movement of pedestrians across the expressway.

To ensure safe operation of the expressway, the existing pair of bus stops in front of the HDB Ayer Rajah Estate will be resited eastwards to the Buona Vista Interchange area. Walking distance for some residents to these bus stops will increase by up to 250 metres. This is about four minutes' walk. It is not possible to retain the bus stops at their present locations without compromising the safe operation of the expressway.