1.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) today awarded the first two of six civil contracts for the construction of the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE), signalling the start of work on Singapore's newest expressway.

2.     The MCE will be the tenth expressway in Singapore, a major part of the strategic island-wide road network to support the long-term growth of Singapore. The MCE is expected to be completed by 2013.

3.     The construction of the MCE is part of the government's commitment to improve Singapore's land transport network in the next 10 to 15 years.

4.     "The MCE is one of many important initiatives to expand Singapore's land transport network into the Marina Bay area. To meet the needs of Singapore's growing population, LTA is committed to deliver a broad array of projects to support sustainable growth for a vibrant city. We are pleased that many world class contractors with proven track record are keen to partner us for the new projects to come. The LTA remains on course to deliver the improvements to the land transport network as part of our Land Transport Master Plan," said LTA Chief Executive, Mr Yam Ah Mee.

5.     The first two civil contracts are awarded to Penta-Ocean Construction Co. Ltd and Sato Kogyo(S) Pte Ltd. - Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd Joint Venture.

6.     Construction works for the MCE are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2009.

CONTRACT 485

7.     Contract 485 is awarded to Penta-Ocean Construction Co. Ltd at a sum of $669.7 million. Contract 485 comprises the design, construction and completion of 700m of dual 5-lane vehicular tunnel structure, of which approximately 420m is below the Marina Bay Crossing.

8.     Penta-Ocean Construction Co. Ltd is currently involved in a number of major construction projects, such as the reclamation of Pasir Panjang Terminal Phases 3 and 4, the Shell Ethylene Cracker Complex at Pulau Bukom, the ION Orchard and the Artscience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

CONTRACT 487

9.     Contract 487 is awarded to Sato Kogyo(S) Pte Ltd. - Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd Joint Venture at a sum of $732.6 million. Contract 487 comprises the design, construction and completion of approximately 700m of dual-carriageway main vehicular tunnel, 1,550m of slip tunnels, at-grade roads connecting to the ECP and Fort Road, and an interchange with KPE/ECP.

10.     Sato Kogyo(S) Pte Ltd is currently involved in a number of major construction projects, such as the construction of Marina Bayfront Bridge, the Boon Lay MRT Extension, the OUB Centre and the District Cooling System Box at Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

ABOUT THE MCE

11.     The dual 5-lane, 5km long MCE is a key element of the strategic island-wide road network to support the long-term growth of Singapore. The underground east-west transport link runs between the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), with direct connections to the Marina South and Straits View areas.

12.     The MCE's total route length includes a 3.6km long road tunnel, two ventilation buildings and 13.1 hectares of land reclamation. It also includes 3 interchanges with KPE/ECP, Marina Boulevard and Central Boulevard, and the AYE.

13.     With several upcoming developments such as the Marina Barrage, the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the Sail @ Marina Bay and the Marina Bay Financial Centre in the vicinity, the MCE will cater to the projected increase in traffic volume generated in the Marina Bay area and serves as an essential transport link from the Marina Bay area to the rest of the island.

Annex A - Artist's Impression