‘A decade of inconveniences’: Will the wait for the North-South Corridor be worth it in the end?

CNA TODAY found that residents living in Novena, parts of Ang Mo Kio, and Yishun were the most affected and incensed by years of construction.

However, residents in Rochor had few complaints and were largely buffered from the ongoing construction. 

The LTA spokesperson said it has worked with contractors to reduce the impact of construction on residents through measures such as noise barriers, noise enclosures, mufflers, dust-control measures, and the scheduling of noisy works during appropriate hours.

Additionally, LTA said noise levels are expected to decrease as the most intensive foundation works have been completed. Most of the remaining construction will take place underground, reducing noise and the need for further traffic diversions.

“These measures have taken on board public and community feedback, and LTA continues to work with the respective contractors to introduce additional measures where needed.”

Ms Tracy Chandran, 42, a stay-at-home mother who lives in Woodlands and her husband, Mr Eranga Basnayake, 41, who works in IT, for example, were two residents CNA TODAY spoke to who were less annoyed and more excited about the project. 

Having lived in Germany for five years, Mr Basnayake said he was excited about the NSC’s planned cycling infrastructure given that he cycled every day for both work and leisure.

Ms Chandran hoped the NSC would reduce congestion on roads such as Woodlands Avenue 12 by providing motorists with additional routes into the city.

“We’ve always depended on the North-South Line, but if there are easier ways to get to the city centre or the south, we’re definitely happy about that,” she said.