Temporary roads set up for heavy vehicles lead to better safety

The Straits Times reported that two temporary roads linked to expressways have been built to allow heavy vehicles to turn off directly into construction sites, bypassing schools and residential areas.

The 200-metre long special access roads, which cost $4 million, are among safety measures adopted by Singapore Power as it undertakes a $2 billion project to upgrade the island's power network.

The precautions, put in place especially for young children, come in the wake of a rise in fatalities from accidents involving heavy vehicles. There were 44 such deaths last year, up by about 40 percent from 32 in 2012.

Singapore Power began construction work on a 35km network of deep underground tunnels to house electricity cables last year. Eighteen worksites were set up across the island to build the tunnels. Two sites - in May Road and Kallang - were found to have high human traffic.

Singapore Power said it consulted the community and built an extra lane to the Central Expressway in the city-bound direction before the Balestier Road exit. This allows heavy vehicles to enter and exit the May Road construction site without taking the narrow roads around Hong Wen School and the residential neighbourhood around McNair Road, Towner Road and May Road. This road opened in May.

Earlier in January, another road was created off the slip road alongside the Pan Island Expressway, in the direction of Bendemeer in Geylang Bahru. Construction vehicles now do not drive through Geylang Bahru and Geylang Bahru Lane, or around Kallang Basin Swimming Complex, to enter or exit the Kallang site.

Heavy vehicle traffic during school peak hours is restricted and barricades are installed to prevent jaywalking around the construction sites.