Temporary
flyover to ease traffic on roads affected by MRT Downtown Extension
construction
A temporary two-lane viaduct will be built along Cross Street
linking Raffles Quay and Far East Square.
The Land Transport Authority says this is to help minimise traffic
disruption in the area during the construction of the MRT Downtown
Extension.
Work on the 400 metre flyover will start next year for completion
in 2008.
Building the viaduct is seen the best option available.
It will enable lane-for-lane replacement along roads affected by
the Downtown Extension project, and even ease traffic flow.
"During construction of Downtown Extension, we will have to end up
taking some of the lanes of the road and the provision of the
viaduct will actually give us an opportunity to maintain the number
of lanes of the road going down Cross Street and Upper Cross
Street. The intention is to maintain the number of lanes, so it
shouldn't get any worse. But with the viaduct, because it takes
traffic across junctions, we hope it would actually improve the
situation," said Marcus L Karakasian, Director, Downtown Extension,
LTA.
The flyover will bypass four traffic junctions at Telok Ayer
Market, Cecil Street, Robinson Road and Raffles Quay, which means
motorists will be able to clear the distance within half a
minute.
It will be taken down in 2012 when the Downtown Extension project
is completed.
The Downtown Extension, comprising five stations, will be connected
to the Circle Line.
Its construction will tie in with the upcoming Marina Bay Financial
Centre, due for completion in 2010.