Nation

Major Road Improvements Planned for Tanglin and Dawson: What Residents Need to Know!

2024-11-12

Author: Daniel

**SINGAPORE** – Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Tanglin and Dawson Road areas! In response to anticipated traffic growth and future developments, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has greenlit a series of road enhancements and extensions, including a new 1.2 km road extension and the widening of key routes.

On October 30, the LTA announced a tender for the design and construction of these road improvements, with submissions closing on December 27. This initiative aims to tackle increasing congestion and enhance access for both vehicles and cyclists in the area.

Key Enhancements Include:

- A **1.2 km extension** of Kay Siang Road connecting directly to Queensway.

- The widening of existing sections of Kay Siang Road and Tanglin Road between Margaret Drive and Kay Siang Road, expanding from one lane to two in each direction.

- The introduction of **2.2 km of dedicated cycling paths** along the newly extended Kay Siang Road, and stretches of Tanglin Road, linking to the Alexandra Park Connector.

- The addition of **three new bus stops** and the relocation of **eight existing ones** for improved public transport access.

Currently, there are no cycling routes along Kay Siang and Tanglin Roads, prompting the LTA to address this gap. Work is expected to commence in mid-2025, aiming for completion by late 2028.

Among ongoing developments, notable projects like the **SkyOasis@Dawson** and **SkyParc@Dawson**, completed in 2021, are contributing to increased resident density. Furthermore, a new residential site on Margaret Drive, awarded to a consortium including GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings, is set to feature two towering blocks of approximately 460 units.

Residents have mixed feelings about the improvements. While some express optimism that the road enhancements will ease the notorious congestion at the Margaret Drive and Queensway junction, others voice doubt. “Why wasn’t this done sooner?” questioned resident Chloe Tan, suggesting that the needs of residents were not properly considered in planning.

Local feedback indicates varied opinions; while some like Goh Khai Hong see potential benefits from the added Kay Siang Road access, others, such as Elakkiya Meganathan, are hopeful for improved pedestrian crossings for their children to safely navigate the area.

Moreover, the introduction of cycling paths has sparked discussions about practicality. Resident Ong Jia Cheng prefers cycling in the more pleasant Alexandra Canal Linear Park, noting that direct routes from Queenstown to Orchard remain challenging via the planned new paths.

In a statement, Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Eric Chua assured residents that these improvements are aimed at enhancing connectivity to major expressways, potentially easing existing congestion at critical junctions. “These enhancements would be welcomed by residents,” he affirmed, indicating a commitment to addressing local traffic issues effectively.

Stay tuned for further updates as Singapore continues to evolve its transport infrastructure in response to growing demands!