SINGAPORE - Motorists can expect improved traffic at the busy intersection between Upper Serangoon Road and Bendemeer Road, with the new Woodsville tunnel open to traffic from 9am today.

Motorists travelling between Upper Serangoon Road and Bendemeer Road, Serangoon Road to Upper Serangoon Road, and MacPherson Road to Bendemeer Road will now be able to use the tunnel as a direct link, bypassing the signallised junction at the surface.

Travelling time for those travelling from Upper Serangoon Road to Bendemeer Road will be cut from the current 10 minutes to four minutes during peak hours.

Traffic is also expected to ease along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE).

"The Woodsville Interchange is a major road intersection serving the north-eastern parts of Singapore, and one that is heavily utilised," said Mr Yap Cheng Chwee, group director (Road Projects) at the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

"With the completion of the project, motorists will experience smoother traffic when they pass through the interchange."

The tunnel also features a fixed water-based fire-fighting system, the Deluge System, the first of its kind in Singapore.

The upcoming Marina Coastal Expressway and the North South Expressway will also be fitted with the system.

The LTA said that it is studying the feasibility of implementing this system in existing tunnels here. SUMITA SREEDHARAN