Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Feasibility of Incorporating Low-Noise Pavement Mix for Sections of Expressways Close to Residential Blocks and Measures Implemented to Mitigate Impact of Traffic Noise

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport

a.     whether LTA is looking into the feasibility of incorporating low-noise pavement mix for all sections of expressways running close to residential blocks, in particular along the section of the Tampines Expressway between Sengkang and Punggol estates;

b.     what are the preconditions for implementation; and

c.     what other measures are being implemented to mitigate the impact of traffic noise.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:

1.     With the help of National Parks Board, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) lined Tampines Expressway with dense planting, which act as screens that absorb light and noise from roads. Noise mitigation measures are also implemented in the development of public housing, which has to be at a minimum distance away from roads. The Housing Development Board developments in Sengkang and Punggol estates adhere to this minimum separation distance from the Tampines Expressway.

2.     LTA is currently studying the feasibility of other noise mitigation measures, such as low-noise pavement mix and vertical noise barriers, along expressways near residential areas. The study will help LTA understand the extent of improvement of noise reduction due to the pavement mix, the impact of road geometry, and cost-effectiveness.