URA wants your thoughts on this.
You’ve probably heard of the government’s plans to rejuvenate the Kallang River area – and now the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is reaching out to you for feedback on their plans to improve connectivity in the area.
URA is planning a makeover at seven different areas along the 14km stretch to improve connectivity and accessibility. Currently, these areas are hindered by major roads such as the Central Expressway (CTE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE), which has caused inconvenience to pedestrians and residents around the area.
Here are the proposed facelifts for all seven areas:
Location 1 – Central Expressway Crossing
The authorities are planning to improve the current CTE underpass, which links Toa Payoh Lorong 8 and Potong Pasir Avenue 1.
Currently, the underpass only has a height clearance of 2m, but this will be widened and deepened to provide more headroom for cyclists. With better lighting and more spacious underpass, the place could also function as a gathering space or activity node.
Location 2 & 3- Serangoon Road and Bendeemer Road
Pedestrians can expect better signalised crossings at these two areas since an underpass is not feasible here. This is due to the fact that there are electric cables, among other things, running under the roads, which would require any underground links to be built deeper.
Location 4 – Pan Island Expressway Spiral Bridge
A spiral bridge spanning across the PIE will also be constructed to improve mobility. This project is set to be the most challenging one because of the expressway – spanning over 16 lanes – that currently divides the river.
Additionally, pedestrians and cyclists need not climb up an overhead bridge anymore when this is completed. Wheelchair users will also be able to make their journey across easily, which is linked to Mar Thorma Road at the foot of the bridge. More greenery and amenities are also set to be built at the end of the bridge.
Location 5, 6 & 7 – The New Kallang Bahru, Sims Avenue, Upper Boon Keng Underpasses
In all three areas, new underpasses will be built.
The one at Kallang Bahru will provide a link to the vicinity of Kallang Distripark, making the commute for those working there easier. It will be constructed near Kallang Bahru Ville housing estates.
While these aren’t fancy new amenities you may have been looking forward to, the initiatives will bring about a “long and continuous park experience” that only allows us to be more mobile, since accessibility and convenience will be vastly improved. It will also create a more “attractive environment” for us to escape Singapore’s hustle and bustle, while connecting communities at the same time.
For those of you living in the area, URA wants your feedback through the exhibition, A River Runs Through It, held at the URA centre from March 29 to May 2.
