LTA to prioritise North-South Corridor surface works to reduce noise & dust by end-2027

The North-South Corridor (NSC) is "one of the most complex road projects we have undertaken in Singapore", said Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.

But it is also necessary to improve connectivity between the north and the city, in particular to support new towns such as those in Sembawang, Woodlands, and Yishun.

"I know these benefits are still some years away, and therefore cold comfort to the families and business owners living with the construction today," Siow said.

He added that the government would do "everything in [its] power" to ease friction on the ground, including prioritising surface works to cut down on noise and dust for residents.

Reason for delays

On Sep. 17, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that the NSC would have its completion timeline moved back to 2029 instead of 2027.

It attributed the delay to "significant construction challenges".

In response to questions by Members of Parliament (MPs), Siow elaborated on the reasons for the delays in a parliamentary speech on Oct. 6.

"It passes through densely built-up areas, including homes and older buildings, and bypasses major utilities, heavily used roads, and even MRT lines," he said.

In some places, they have had to tunnel "less than one metre" away from the MRT lines.

In addition, as excavations progressed, it turned out that the actual conditions were more difficult than what soil investigations had earlier indicated.

Not safe to compress timeline further

After encountering the obstacles, LTA deployed additional manpower and equipment, adjusted construction methods, and changed the sequence of works where possible.

But trying to compress the programme further would have led to "significant additional safety risks", Siow said.

However, he emphasised that the government will not leave businesses and residents to fend for themselves.

To address complaints such as dust and noise, LTA will prioritise completing surface works so they improve from next year.

Most major structural works that create the most dust and noise will be completed by end-2027, and LTA will begin to reinstate roads, footpaths, and other affected spaces from 2028.

As for businesses which have had their customer traffic affected by changes to pedestrian routes or road access, LTA has installed signs and banners to help guide customers amid disruptions.

He added:

"When surface works are completed, many access routes for pedestrians will be restored as a priority.

In the meantime, LTA will also try to introduce more direct walking routes to shops and F&B establishments to make it easier for customers to reach these businesses."

No financial support as general principle

Siow also responded to questions from MPs about whether additional financial support could be given to affected businesses and residents.

Several businesses in HDB rental shops most affected by the construction works have already been receiving rental rebates on a case-by-case basis, which will continue where there are grounds to do so, he said.

But as a general principle, the government does not compensate stakeholders for project delays, as these would add "significant costs" to these projects.

Previously, CNA reported that some businesses, particularly in the Novena area, have seen declines in traffic of up to 75 per cent amid the ongoing construction.