CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY (Provision of underpass from Towner Road to Whampoa Drive)

Mr Choo Wee Khiang asked the Minister for Communications whether the Land Transport Authority will consider providing an underpass at the Central Expressway (from Towner Road to Whampoa Drive).

Dr John Chen Seow Phun (for the Minister for Communications): Sir, presently, there is an overhead bridge for pedestrians who wish to cross the CTE at the proposed location. The LTA has studied Mr Choo's suggestion but found that it would not be feasible to construct an underpass at the proposed location for two reasons. First, the construction work will cause widespread disruption to the traffic flow along CTE. Second, the underpass would not be cost-effective. The estimated cost of an underpass is about $2.6 million and it would duplicate the functions of the existing overhead bridge.

However, I have asked the LTA to keep this matter in view and discuss other possible alternatives with Mr Choo and his grassroots leaders.

Mr Choo Wee Khiang: May I know what other alternatives have the Minister of State got in mind?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, Mr Choo has earlier requested through appeal letters to build ramps for this overhead bridge. But the problem with the existing overhead bridge is that it has insufficient space to construct the ramps. So one alternative is to shift the overhead bridge to a different location where there is enough space for the ramps to be constructed.

Mr Choo Wee Khiang: I do not know whether the Minister of State is aware that the existing overhead bridge is one of the tallest, if not the tallest, overhead bridges in Singapore. There are so many aged people commuting between the two estates. Would it not be better if his Ministry were to consider installing escalators which would be more convenient to all, including the LTA?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: I will ask the LTA to study the cost-benefit and to see whether it is feasible.