Spread out industrial estates to ease congestion

Every morning, traffic on the Ayer Rajah Expressway and Pan-Island Expressway towards Tuas is very heavy. In the evenings, there is heavy traffic in the other direction.

This is due to the industrial estates in the west and Tuas areas, which draw workers from all over the island.

Congestion is common at the Jurong Town Hall exit during peak hours. It is expected to get worse when the regional business district in Jurong East is fully developed. An upcoming hotel development is also likely to worsen the situation.

It is difficult to expand the AYE as there are many residential estates on both sides.

We need a strategic review of land zoning and urban planning.

The Tanjong Pagar container terminals and those along the West Coast are slated to move to Tuas.

Many logistics buildings are being built in the Pioneer/Tuas area. More factories are also being added to the densely built western side of Singapore.

All these will exacerbate traffic congestion in the west.

There should be an even spread of industrial establishments to the eastern and north-eastern part of Singapore.

Locating ports near Changi Airport also offers seamless connectivity for international shipment and global manufacturing activities.

Ee Teck Siew, Reader

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