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A major traffic junction at Novena will be reconfigured beginning Oct. 17, and two nearby pedestrian underpasses will be closed in the second quarter of next year, to make way for the construction of highway tunnels.
Temporary changes to build the North-South Corridor could mean longer travel times for motorists and pedestrians in the area until at least the end of 2022.
The Land Transportation Authority (LTA) revealed details of the changes last Friday, which will affect the intersection of Thomson Road with Newton Road and Moulmein Road.
Works to reconfigure roads in the area will begin at 8 pm on October 17 and will last until 10 am the following day. Traffic on all sides will remain passable during this time.
The LTA will post traffic chiefs for one week after changes are made to direct traffic and will ensure that there are clear signs for guidance.
The current intersection of Thomson Road, Newton Road and Moulmein Road will be divided into two T-junctions: one crossing Thomson Road and Newton Road and one crossing Thomson Road and Moulmein Road.
As a result, those traveling on Thomson Road could make their trips take up to 2.5 more minutes during rush hour as they will now have one more traffic light to deal with.
Those driving between Newton Road and Moulmein Road should also wait up to five minutes late with shifting.
For example, a motorist who can currently drive through the junction to get from Moulmein Road to Newton Road will now have to turn right onto Thomson Road, before taking the slip road on the left onto Newton Road.
The bus stop in front of Velocity @ Novena Square will be moved 70 meters away to Royal Square @ Novena to facilitate construction starting Sunday.
The underpass linking the Novena MRT station and Goldhill Center will be closed in the first quarter of next year, the LTA said.
In the second quarter of next year, a temporary airlift will be built to link the two locations.
Similarly, the underpass linking Velocity @ Novena Square and Revenue House will be closed in the second quarter of next year and replaced by another temporary airlift.
As a result, pedestrians must also wait an additional two to three minutes for their trips. LTA said they can still use the intersections on Thomson Road.
The 21.5km North-South Corridor (NSC) will run from Woodlands in the north to the city area.
The LTA still aims to complete the three-lane dual highway in 2026, although it said it is still reviewing the impact of Covid-19 on its various projects.
With the aim of alleviating the increasing traffic between the north and the city center, the project will also support Singapore’s car-lite vision by having dedicated and continuous bus lanes and bicycle routes.
Said the LTA: “During the construction of the NSC tunnel, LTA will continue to ensure the safety of pedestrians.”
It will build covered interchanges and larger waiting areas at crossings in the Novena area, as well as install clear signs to redirect pedestrians.
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