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Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for Transport how does the Ministry ensure that major construction works by Government agencies which cause road closures in estates are well-coordinated and do not result in a waste of resources or cause further inconvenience to motorists.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     The Road Opening Coordination Committee, which comprises government agencies such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Housing and Development Board, Jurong Town Corporation and utility service providers coordinates and consolidates construction or utility works which may require road excavation. Members circulate their planned works about six months in advance – with the intent to minimise road excavations. In most cases which require road excavations, LTA typically limits the closure to one road lane and provide replacement lanes wherever possible, so that the rest of the road can still be kept open for motorist access. This helps to avoid multi-lane closures and repeated road excavation works along the same stretch of road.

2.     In rare circumstances of major construction works which require more space, closing off roads to traffic may be required. For example, the construction of the Cross Island Line Loyang Station and Loyang Viaduct required the partial closure of Loyang Avenue between Pasir Ris Drive 3 and Loyang Way. In such cases, LTA will carry out impact assessments to ensure that alternative routes are available and their traffic loads are manageable. If necessary, additional mitigation measures such as widening of surrounding roads and adjustments to traffic lights timing on the alternative routes are also implemented to ensure safety and to minimise the impact on traffic. Engagements with affected stakeholders, including motorists, will also be also carried out so that the public is aware of the changes and can make adjustments accordingly.