Infrastructure & development — Topics

13 May 2013

Traffic Impact Assessment Study on Haus@Serangoon Garden Housing Development

Sylvia Lim asked about the progress of the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) study, mitigation measures for congestion along Serangoon Garden Way, and the timeline for announcing such measures.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed the TIA study for Haus@Serangoon Garden is complete and found the projected traffic increase is within the existing road network's capacity.
He noted that LTA implemented traffic improvements in 2012, including junction upgrades and additional lanes, and will continue monitoring and considering further measures if needed.

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13 May 2013

Lift Upgrading Works in HDB Multi-storey Car Parks

Dr. Lam Pin Min asked about the timeline for completing lift upgrading works in all HDB Multi-Storey Car Parks in Singapore and specifically in Sengkang West.
The Ministry for National Development confirmed that the Car Parks Lift Installation Programme was launched in March 2012 to install lifts where feasible in all HDB MSCPs without lifts.
All lift installations across Singapore are scheduled for completion by 2017.
In Sengkang West, there are 14 MSCPs without lift access, and the installations will be carried out in two phases after consultation with local grassroots.
HDB will engage with grassroots organizations to stage the MSCP lift installations appropriately.

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13 May 2013

Waiting List for Heavy Vehicle Parking Spaces in Choa Chu Kang Estate

Zaqy Mohamad asked about the sufficiency of heavy vehicle parking capacity in Choa Chu Kang, the length of waiting lists for five specific parks, any recent improvements, and additional support for residents with job-related parking needs.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed 597 heavy vehicle parking lots exist, with waiting lists of 116 for HDB-managed and 138 for URA-managed parks, while TM Corporation's private park has no waitlist.
Khaw Boon Wan explained practical constraints like limited land for housing and community use, potential noise and safety issues, and interim sites provided by URA where possible.
He noted LTA requires owners to secure designated parking before vehicle registration and advised arranging driver transport between parking lots and homes.

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13 May 2013

Review of Provision of Parking Lots in Condominiums

Sylvia Lim asked for a review of the policy requiring only one parking lot per household in condominiums, especially those in private estates with narrow access roads, to address parking shortages and congestion.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the Land Transport Authority (LTA), not the Controller of Housing, sets the minimum parking requirement of one lot per dwelling unit, and developers are encouraged to provide more if needed.
LTA will continue monitoring parking situations in private estates and consider changes to standards if necessary.
For estates with narrow roads, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has guidelines limiting development density to account for local road capacity, as implemented in specific estates like Telok Kurau and Joo Chiat.

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13 May 2013

Update on Integrated Development at Yishun Central

Patrick Tay Teck Guan requested an update on the integrated development at Yishun Central, including a new bus interchange.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that most projects under Yishun's Remaking Our Heartland programme are completed, with the next major development being a mixed-use project featuring a bus interchange, town plaza, residences, and retail spaces.
The project has faced delays due to extensive consultations and site constraints, but preparation works like relocating vehicle lots and site clearing are progressing, with a temporary bus interchange planned to minimise disruption.
Agencies are finalising tender requirements to ensure the development integrates well with the surroundings, including an air-conditioned bus interchange, road widening, and community spaces, with the site scheduled for land sale in June.

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13 May 2013

Engineering Study for Malaysia-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link

The Singapore Land Transport Authority and Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission jointly awarded a US$42 million contract to a consortium led by AECOM for an engineering study on the Malaysia-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.
Seven other companies bid for the contract, with prices ranging from about S$28 million to over S$60 million.
Singapore's share of the S$52.8 million contract is S$26.4 million, split equally with Malaysia.

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13 May 2013

HDB Build-to-Order Projects Affected by Contractors Going into Receivership

Liang Eng Hwa sought an update on engaging new contractors for the Senja Gateway and Segar Grove BTO projects after Poh Lian Construction’s receivership, and asked about potential delays and quality impacts.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that contracts with Poh Lian were terminated, open tenders were called, and new contracts are expected to be awarded by mid-June 2013 under a fast-track process.
HDB assesses that the flats can still be completed by the original Estimated Completion Dates and that the projects will follow the same rigorous quality management and testing processes.

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13 May 2013

Managing Traffic Congestion at MRT Stations

Arthur Fong asked the Minister for Transport for measures beyond CCTV installation to manage traffic congestion at Clementi MRT station.
Lui Tuck Yew outlined that LTA uses infrastructure improvements, traffic light adjustments, and enforcement to manage traffic, with specific upgrades like new turning lanes and bus bay extensions at Clementi MRT.
LTA has increased enforcement against illegal parking near the MRT station and plans to install CCTVs as an additional deterrent.

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13 May 2013

Improvements Brought about by Fort Canning Tunnel

The Fort Canning Tunnel, opened in 2007, has successfully diverted traffic from Stamford Road, improved public bus operations, and enhanced the pedestrian experience in the Bras Basah area, meeting its objectives as part of the Civic District Master Plan.
The tunnel's construction method minimized disturbance, saving about 35 trees, including an iconic Terap tree, demonstrating a commitment to preserving tangible and intangible assets like heritage landmarks.
The project's justification extended beyond traffic benefits to include broader public benefits and optimal land use, with a balanced approach that considers both tangible costs and intangible cultural values in infrastructure planning.
Evaluating projects against heritage destruction involves a non-monetary assessment, acknowledging that the preservation of national icons and landmarks is a key consideration in Singapore's planning process, alongside economic factors.

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13 May 2013

Preparing MRT Stations for Larger Passenger Capacity

Dr Janil Puthucheary asked about future MRT lines accommodating longer trains, future-proofing in new designs, and applying such approaches to existing stations to boost capacity.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew explained that future lines will study feasibility for longer trains as buffer capacity, but this must be balanced against higher costs and land use.
For existing stations, expanding to accommodate longer trains is complex and may require land acquisition and prolonged shutdowns, so enhancements will focus on improving passenger flow instead.

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13 May 2013

Shortage of Childcare Facilities in Sengkang and Punggol

Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing outlined plans to add dozens of new childcare centres in Sengkang and Punggol over the next few years, including one in Rivervale Arc by early 2015, and is working with HDB and community leaders to use alternative sites like temporary plots, community centres, and under-utilised car parks.
The Ministry determines childcare centre locations by monitoring demand via cohort sizes, community leader feedback, and existing childcare queues, and is open to exploring premises beyond HDB estates such as schools, workplaces, and integrated developments, though each site is assessed for feasibility.
To address the shortage, the government is providing grants for retrofitting existing facilities, reviewing manpower policies to balance teacher ratios and quality, and implementing measures like para educators to increase classroom capacity while maintaining care standards.

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8 Apr 2013

Peak Period Reversible Traffic Lanes

Alex Yam asked the Minister for Transport which stretches of the KJE will be considered for the peak period reversible traffic lanes scheme.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that the LTA has engaged a consultant to study suitable stretches of the KJE and PIE near Jurong, and the study is still ongoing.

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8 Apr 2013

Adjustment of Road Height Difference between Northbound and Southbound Lanes of Woodlands Road between KJE and Mandai Road

Alex Yam inquired about plans to adjust the road height difference between the northbound and southbound lanes of Woodlands Road between KJE and Mandai Road and the possibility of a controlled right turn for a trunk service for residents of Yew Tee and Limbang.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed that the road level difference will be adjusted after the construction of Downtown Line 2 is completed.
LTA will consider a controlled right turn from Stagmont Ring Road to Woodlands Road.

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8 Apr 2013

Railway Noise Survey and Installation of Noise Barriers

Alex Yam asked about the findings of the railway noise survey, the sites for noise barriers, and whether Yew Tee and Keat Hong would be considered.
The island-wide study found some MRT tracks near residential areas exceed the NEA's 67 dBA guideline, with higher noise at turnout sections.
LTA will install noise barriers at identified hotspots, with the first phase covering 16 stretches from 2014 to 2016, including the Yew Tee area.
The second phase, including Keat Hong, is expected to be completed by 2020, with details being finalized.
The barrier installation will be coordinated with other MRT renewal works due to physical constraints.

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8 Apr 2013

Waste Disposal Guidelines for Public Waste Collectors (PWCs)

Zainal Sapari asked whether waste collectors could dispose of more waste at Senoko and Tuas incineration plants and if operating hours could be extended for better efficiency.
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that two plants already operate round the clock while Senoko and Tuas have fixed morning hours, with waste collectors allowed extended disposal up to 6 pm at Senoko subject to a daily tonnage cap.
The Minister noted that extending hours further at Senoko and Tuas is not feasible due to capacity constraints, but NEA will continue monitoring and a new plant is planned to support future growth and review operating hours.

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8 Apr 2013

"Home Lifts" for Low-Rise HDB Flats

Mr Png Eng Huat asked about the cost and height restrictions for implementing home lifts in low-rise HDB flats, noting limited benefiting units.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan responded that costs vary by site conditions and home lifts can serve blocks up to five storeys.
For inclusion in the Lift Upgrading Programme, the cost must not exceed $30,000 per benefiting unit.

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8 Apr 2013

Breakdown of Newly-Installed Lifts under HDB's Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP)

Sylvia Lim inquired about the breakdown rate of new lifts under HDB's Lift Upgrading Programme within the defects-liability period, whether specific models had higher rates, and if the Ministry found the rates acceptable.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the breakdown rate is below one per month for every 10 lifts installed during the defects liability period.
He stated there is no significant difference in breakdown rates across the various lift models.
Khaw confirmed that the current breakdown rates meet the performance standards specified in the tenders.
The Minister indicated the rates are considered acceptable as they align with contracted performance benchmarks.

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8 Apr 2013

Plans for Development of Land Next to Blocks 155 & 156, Rivervale Crescent

Lee Li Lian asked about plans for the land next to Blocks 155 and 156 at Rivervale Crescent.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the land is reserved for the Rivervale Delta HDB estate.
HDB launched flat sales in November and expects construction to be completed by 2016.

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8 Apr 2013

Wheelchair-Accessible Bus Stops

Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Transport about the number of bus stops still not accessible to Wheelchair Accessible Buses and the target date to make all bus stops accessible.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that out of 4,653 bus stops, 4,484 (96%) are wheelchair-accessible, with 169 remaining inaccessible due to site constraints requiring adjacent property redevelopment.
The Land Transport Authority plans to upgrade the remaining bus stops when opportunities arise, aiming for full accessibility.

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8 Apr 2013

Offshore Islands as Sites for Foreign Workers' Dormitories

Mr Gan Thiam Poh suggested using nearby offshore islands to house foreign workers, especially in construction and shipyards.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan expressed openness to the idea, noting past use of islands like Jurong and Pulau Brani for worker housing.
Not all offshore islands are suitable due to infrastructure and planning constraints, but the Ministry will continue exploring options to house workers properly.

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