Pedestrian-friendly facilities for redesigned Bencoolen Street

SINGAPORE — Pedestrians and cyclists will have an easier time commuting along Bencoolen Street come the first quarter of next year, as the redesigned street will be opened with features such as wider footpaths and additional bike parking facilities.

The street will be opened following the completion of Downtown Line 3 works for Bencoolen Station.

There will be sheltered linkways from the new Bencoolen MRT station to nearby facilities and developments, such as Hotel Rendezvous and Manulife Centre, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Thursday (Nov 10).

Cyclists will also be able to ride straight to the Central Business District via a new cycling route. Some 125 bicycle parking lots will be provided at various locations along Bencoolen Street, such as at the entrances of the new Bencoolen MRT station, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), V Hotel, and Bayview Hotel.

The LTA is also collaborating with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and students and alumni from NAFA to design the benches along Bencoolen Street to inject a touch of creativity to the streetscape.

(Click to enlarge)

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

The LTA also noted on Thursday that traffic will be affected during the final stage of works at Bencoolen Street.

Due to electrical and mechanical installation and architectural works for the new Bencoolen MRT station, all vehicles except for buses are restricted from turning left onto Bras Basah Road from Bencoolen Street from Nov 13.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes if they are heading towards Bras Basah Road.

From Nov 13 as well, Waterloo Street, currently a one-way street, will convert to a two-way street. The traffic direction for the stretch of Queen Street between Bras Basah Road to Stamford Road will also be converted towards Bras Basah Road.

From Dec 11, Prinsep Street and Selegie Road (between Bras Basah Road to Middle Road) will also be reinstated to a one-way road. A dedicated bus lane along the stretch of Bencoolen Street between Middle Road and Bras Basah Road will also be implemented to allow for smoother journeys for commuters. Bus Services 64, 65, 131, 139, 147, 166 and 857 will be reinstated to ply along Bencoolen Street.