Starting on Sunday (12 Mar), some stretches of Upper Aljunied Road will be permanently closed to traffic as part of plans to transform it into a heritage walk.
Along with the closure, a new realigned Upper Aljunied Road will open to traffic from the same day, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) said on its press release. With an additional lane in each direction, motorists can look forward to smoother traffic on the new road, HDB said.
New Realigned Upper Aljunied Road
The two sections of the existing Upper Aljunied Road that will be closed are :
- the section between Upper Serangoon Road and Bidadari Park Drive (currently under construction); and
- the section which joins Mount Vernon Road to the realigned Upper Aljunied Road.
The remaining stretch leading to Vernon Park Road and the Mount Vernon Columbarium and funeral parlours will remain open to traffic, and be connected to the new realigned Upper Aljunied Road.
With the road closure, the junction at Upper Serangoon Road and Upper Aljunied Road will be removed, and a new dedicated U-turn provided underneath the Upper Serangoon Road viaduct.
The layout plan below shows details on the road closure and realignment.
Launched in August 2013, the master plan for Bidadari is said by HDB to be draw inspiration from its rich heritage and unique topography and landscape.
The estate is envisioned to be a tranquil urban oasis, where residents can relax and connect with family and friends in a garden-like setting.
Some, however, have voiced their opinions against HDB’s decision to tear down the existing heritage and repurpose in the way it is doing.
The Heritage Walk will stitch the future Alkaff Lake, south of the existing Upper Aljunied Road, with the Bidadari Park located to the north, to create a park land within Bidadari for residents to walk and cycle safely around the estate.
HDB has launched some 4,800 flats in six new-generation public housing projects in Bidadari since November 2015. These flats have seen strong response, averaging more than five applicants to one flat, it said.
Another 1,340 units will be offered for sale in May 2017, comprising a mix of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room, 5-room and 3Gen flats.
Private residential developments is also coming up, with the launch of a mixed commercial and residential site for tender on 6 March 2017. This first private residential parcel is expected to offer about 825 private homes.
The site will be developed to incorporate a community club and Neighborhood Police Centre.
