Update on MRT Downtown Line 2 Construction

Sir, the Downtown Line Stage 2 (DTL2) remains on track for completion in 2015. The Member has asked specifically about the Bukit Timah corridor. Tunnelling and station works along some parts of this corridor have met with adverse soil conditions. In addition, some of the contractors have had to restrict their working hours due to complaints about noise and inconvenience. This has resulted in the works for some segments experiencing slippage from their original planned schedule, although I should add that this is not uncommon for a project of this scale and with construction so near to built-up areas.

LTA is taking measures to keep the overall DTL2 project on schedule. For instance, it is working with the contractors at these stretches to extend project hours when and where possible. LTA is also exploring the feasibility of shortening the period of installation for track-work and Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) works.

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LTA is monitoring the progress of the DTL2 closely and, at this point in time, does not see the need to revise the 2015 targeted timeline. I thank Members, as well as the communities in the vicinity of the worksites, for their continued patience and support. While the construction of new lines inevitably brings with it some inconvenience, the lines will greatly benefit residents and businesses when completed.

The reason why I asked about those seven stations is because all seven are within Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and, thankfully, three of those seven are within my ward in Ulu Pandan. My supplementary question to the Minister is, would the LTA keep me very closely informed if there are any ways to quicken the pace of the construction so that those living in the Bukit Timah corridor benefit from a faster pace and a sooner completion date?

We will certainly be happy to do so. I want to express my appreciation to the Member, as well as to the other advisors in the area, for the amount of support and cooperation that they have already given to LTA in making sure that the work stays relatively on schedule and we appreciate very much the cooperation from the residents as well.

Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the LTA staff for making every effort to minimise traffic inconvenience to our residents affected by the Downtown Line construction. I would like to ask the Minister on this particular aspect of the last-mile experience. In particular, whether LTA would design and work out thoughtful pedestrian pathways and linkways to the MRT stations, especially the high-traffic station, like the Bukit Panjang Station. And whether LTA, as part of this massive construction, will put some effort into giving the commuters a positive experience in this last mile?

Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary question. Indeed, it is a very important point that we provide more options for commuters in the last mile, whether it is through a bus feeder, whether it is cycling, or, for those who are physically mobile, to walk that last distance.

Today, the sheltered linkways and connectivity are for 200 metres around the stations or key transport nodes. Going forward, we intend to extend this further and we would want to do so to provide more convenience to commuters who would prefer to walk to the station rather than to have to take a feeder bus or to cycle.

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