Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Locations Of Downtown Line Stations Will Depend On Commuter Traffic

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 12 February 2008

Construction of the Downtown Line began on February 12 and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it will decide where to build future stations for the new line after looking at commuter traffic.

Besides the Chinatown Station, the first phase will consist of another five stations.

But for the other 27 stations, which fall under phases two and three, the LTA has yet to finalise their locations on the train line.

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One major factor that will determine where the stations will be is commuter traffic. And many future stations may also be located underground.

Lim Bok Ngam, Deputy Chief Executive of Infrastructure & Development at LTA, said: "Typically, we do not want to sterilise land. So you find that many of the stations are located at junctions and the lines are running below the road. That, on the bigger context, saves land for the government.

"But then of course, in terms of construction, it makes it more difficult because you need to make sure traffic flows (smoothly) at the same time."

The existing Chinatown Station will have an additional entrance at Hong Lim Complex.

LTA is using a method that allows excavation to continue through underground openings while the hole is covered. This way, excavation works will not affect the flow of traffic above ground.

On Cross Street, a road bridge from Raffles Quay to the east of China Street is due to be completed by the fourth quarter of the year, with the aim of minimising congestion. The viaduct will be in use till the completion of Phase one of the Downtown Line in 2013.

The two remaining contracts for Bugis and Promenade stations will be awarded by the end of the year. - CNA /ls

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