The first phase of Singapore’s newest expressway, the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), opened to traffic on 26 October. Motorists can now save time travelling between the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and the East Coast Parkway (ECP) using a new 3km road tunnel stretch.

When completed in 2008, the $1.7 billion KPE will stretch from the ECP to the Tampines Expressway (TPE) over a length of 12km. Nine kilometres of the expressway will be underground, making it the longest such expressway in South-east Asia.

Short cut

The KPE starts from the ECP in the south, crosses under the Geylang River, Nicoll Highway, Mountbatten Road, Geylang Road, Sims Avenue and the PIE. The route continues from Aljunied Road and Upper Paya Lebar/ Paya Lebar Road before following Airport Road past the Paya Lebar Air Base to connect to the TPE.

With the KPE, residents in Hougang, Buangkok, Sengkang and Punggol have a more direct route to the city centre and this will help ease congestion on the Central Expressway. Travel time from the north-east to the city is expected to be reduced by 25 per cent.

ERP gantries

With the first phase of the KPE open, one ERP gantry is now in operation at the south-bound KPE exit into the west-bound ECP (towards the city). ERP charges will be imposed on this exit for the use of the ECP during the morning peak hours from 7.30am to 9.30am.

Another two gantries are located outside the north-bound KPE exit to the PIE and on the south-bound KPE exit to the east-bound ECP. However, these gantries will only be activated when the average speed on the KPE falls below 45kmh.

Safety underground

With the 9km KPE tunnel comes the first experience for many local motorists of driving underground for such a long distance. Singaporeans therefore need to be prepared for driving though this long tunnel, and to be educated about the related safety issues.

The LTA has rolled out a public education programme on the correct way to use the tunnel. Motorists are advised to turn on their headlights, keep within the speed limit of 70 kmh, stay within the lane and follow evacuation instructions on the radio should an emergency occur.

The consequences of an accident or emergency in an underground tunnel can be far more serious than one above ground, and rescue efforts can be especially tricky.

The LTA has also awarded a contract to Certis Cisco to supply traffic marshals and vehicles, to be deployed whenever incidents impede traffic flow on the KPE. The traffic marshals are empowered to perform traffic control duties as well as preserve evidence at accident scenes. They will complement existing expressway management systems like the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (Emas) and towing services.