Rethink move to close link to expressway

I read with concern the news on the opening of the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) and closure of the Fort Road connection to the East Coast Parkway ("Undersea road opens in Dec, ECP to be cut off"; Nov 14).

Motorists who use the Fort Road access to the ECP to go to the city will have to find alternative routes.

The Fort Road access currently serves many motorists who live in the Meyer Road, Tanjong Rhu, Mountbatten and Katong areas. Motorists from other areas also rely heavily on this access, both during peak and non-peak periods.

It was suggested that motorists use the East Coast Park Service Road to make a U-turn to join the ECP farther east.

Would this not increase congestion farther east, especially during peak hours? Congestion would also occur at alternative routes to Marine Parade or Amber Road.

Instead of a 10-minute drive to the Marina Bay Financial Centre, residents in the Fort Road area would probably see travelling time increase by 10 to 15 minutes or even longer, depending on the time of travel and road conditions.

It was reported that the Fort Road access to the ECP has to be removed because there will be insufficient distance for motorists to filter into the highway when the MCE opens. Have all the options been exhausted?

Can the Land Transport Authority (LTA) share with the public more details on the proposed move, the alternatives and to what extent it will impact travelling time and costs for motorists?

I hope the LTA will reconsider the decision to cut off the Fort Road access and find a solution to link it to the MCE instead.

Mark Tan Eng Aun

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