Friday, October 26, 2007

First Phase Of KPE Opens To Traffic

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 26 October 2007

Drivers got their chance to experience the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway for the first time as the first phase of the road opened to vehicular traffic at 10am on Friday.

Traffic was smooth on the new Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) even though motorists could only drive through three kilometres of the 12-kilometre long tunnel, which is being opened in phases.

On Friday morning, cars were among the first to use the tunnel which links the ECP with the PIE.

The Land Transport Authority says the first phase of the tunnel is likely to benefit those who want to travel between the PIE and ECP.

The KPE is monitored at a central control room. On the ground, patrols are also carried out by new traffic marshals.

Zipping around on their motorcycles, one of their tasks is to help alleviate traffic congestion caused by minor accidents.

However, it was a smooth day for the traffic marshals as no traffic incidents in the tunnel were reported on the opening day.

In the first three hours of operation alone, almost 4,800 vehicles used the tunnel. The KPE can handle about 6,000 vehicles an hour. - CNA/ch

No comments: