METAL PLATES AT ROAD DIVERSION WORK

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology whether the use of metal plates as road surface for road diversion in the construction of North-East MRT Line poses a hazard to road users.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Whenever roads are affected by construction works, the Land Transport Authority will try to minimise disruption to traffic flow by providing diversion roads or by covering up the road surface while the work goes on underneath. The covering has to be of sufficient strength to carry the traffic loads over the excavation and the most suitable material, which is also used universally in other countries, is metal decking. The metal decking used is designed and supplied by specialist manufacturers.

The metal decking is safe for the motorists. It has a special anti-slip corrugated surface that provides a better grip between the tyre and the metal surface. The metal decking used on our roads is inspected regularly to ensure the safety of the motorists. In addition, the LTA also puts up cautionary signs to alert motorists and pedestrians of the works.