Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Impact of Covid-19 Disruptions on Completion Date of North-South Corridor

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport

a.     what is the contractual completion date of the North-South Corridor and whether such completion date has been adjusted due to the year-long disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;

b.     whether the contractors are working through the night and on Sundays to make up for the time lost due to the disruptions; and

c.     what further enforcement or other measures does the Government intend to take to alleviate the nuisance caused to the residents as a result of the construction.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     The North-South Corridor (NSC) is a 21.5 km-long corridor through densely built-up areas and challenging soil conditions, with more than half underground. While COVID-19-related disruptions have delayed the project by more than a year, more than 50% of the foundations for the road tunnels have been built.

2.     The NSC is expected to be completed in phases from 2027. We target to open the viaduct portion of the NSC from Admiralty Road West to Lentor Avenue in 2027; and the rest, comprising a road tunnel from Lentor Avenue to East Coast Parkway (ECP), in 2029. The surface streets will then be repurposed to prioritise walking, cycling, public transport, and community spaces.

3.     Generally, construction activities are planned such that noisy works will take place during the day and will stop by 10 pm. To minimise inconveniences to stakeholders, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and its contractors deploy noise barriers, noise enclosures, and fit mufflers on machinery to reduce noise levels. LTA also conducts localised stakeholder engagement and works with grassroots leaders to inform and update the public on project-specific information.

4.     The exception to the 10 pm stoppage requirement is safety critical works, such as the construction of the diaphragm wall, which must be carried out continuously past 10 pm on certain days. We are mindful of the inconvenience to residents and other nearby stakeholders during such periods and will explain to them the safety critical works through circulars before commencement.

5.     Construction noise from the NSC is expected to be reduced after completion of the foundation works in two years’ time. In the meantime, we will continue to take all necessary measures to minimise the disamenities caused.