1.     The physical construction of the S$130 million Woodsville Interchange started today with a groundbreaking ceremony officiated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Chairman, Mr Michael Lim.

2.     When completed by end 2011, this massive road project, which comprises three road tunnels and a flyover, will seamlessly connect Serangoon Road, Bendemeer Road, Upper Serangoon Road and Macpherson Road - key arterial roads connecting the northeast sector to the city.

3.     Current peak hour traffic volumes at the Woodsville Interchange are close to its capacity.

4.     Construction will take place within the heavily built-up corridors and junctions of Serangoon Road, Upper Serangoon Road, Bendemeer Road and Macpherson Road. This complex road area also includes the North-East Line tunnel, a deep tunnel sewerage system and major utilities. While traffic diversions will ensure safe passage of vehicles and work, the public would still expect some amount of inconvenience.

Keeping the Community Up-to-Date

5.     LTA is committed to making sure that disruptions are kept to a minimum and keeping the community up-to-date on the progress of work. For example, LTA - together with the contractor, Gammon Construction Ltd, will be setting up a Project Community and Control Centre, or "PC3", where officers will address queries from residents living near the construction works. The PC3 will be open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and will showcase the project's progress, as well the architectural model and the artist's impression of the completed interchange. The PC3will house traffic monitoring of the interchange to ensure that traffic is moving at a satisfactory level during the works.

6.     LTA officers have worked with community leaders to explain the details of the construction project to residents, tenants and business owners. LTA will continue to keep the communities near the works informed of the status of works with newsletter and exhibits.

7.     "As outlined in our Land Transport Master Plan, we have lined up a series of infrastructural developments to the road network over the next ten years. To bring these developments to fruition in our heavily built-up environment, we may have to tolerate some inconveniences, even with our best efforts to keep them to a minimum. We will involve the community in our works so they know what to expect and can identify with the benefits of the project. In this way we are working to achieve our goal of a people-centred land transport system," said Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive, Land Transport Authority.