Sunday August 13, 8:17
PM
Roads around
Suntec City to be closed for IMF/World Bank
meetings
SINGAPORE : Starting from September 10th until the 20th, access in
and around the Suntec City area will be restricted when road
closures take effect because of the IMF/World Bank meetings.
At least three roads will be completely shut and eight other roads
will be partially closed.
Even before motorists drive into Suntec City, they are likely to
see bright neon signs advising them which roads are affected by the
road closures.
The perimeter of roads around Suntec City will be effectively
closed.
Nicoll Highway going to the city will be shut down, starting at the
Republic Avenue junction and the portion of Raffles Boulevard
between Suntec City and One Raffles Link will also be closed.
There will not be any access to Temasek Boulevard as well.
Ng Guat Ting, Commander, Traffic Police, said: "Certain roads are
closed and lanes as well to facilitate security measures as well as
movement of delegates. Congestions and delays are expected we seek
public's cooperation and understanding to ensure that everyone's
security is not compromised."
"For me I think I will park somewhere further a bit so I walk along
the road here or tunnels," said one motorist.
"If they can arrange for more public transport and close up these
roads and divert people to take public transport to MRT stations, I
think it'll be a better alternative," said another.
As the meetings draw nearer, more directional signs will be posted
and officers deployed.
Police say the best way to get around is using public
transportation but for those who have to drive to Suntec City, it
is worthwhile to take some time to plan the route.
They can use websites such as the Singapore Police Force to help
them decide which alternate roads to take.
And on September 1st, pamphlets with maps of the affected roads
will be available at selected petrol stations.
The publications are sponsored by Shell, Exxon and SPC.
Some bus routes will also be diverted and some lanes closed on
other roads around the city area near Suntec complex.
The affected roads are Bras Basah, St Andrew's, Stamford, Beach,
Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Drive and Coleman Street.
And because of the expected congestion, motorists are likely to see
a longer travelling time. - CNA/ch
