Tight corridor for King Albert Park station

We refer to Mr Pak Tien Sung’s letter, “King Albert Park Station needs three entrances” (July 15).

Several factors determine the location of station entrances. In planning them for the Downtown Line, besides optimising the residential catchment, we considered the technical feasibility and site constraints as well as minimised land acquisition.

For King Albert Park station, one entrance is provided on Bukit Timah Road and another along Dunearn Road. With the tight corridor along Bukit Timah Road, an additional entrance would require the acquisition of private land.

Weighing the various considerations, we decided this was overall not optimal. Residents living around the station can use the covered pedestrian links, which will provide at-grade connections to the MRT station, schools and public amenities in the area.

Methodist Girls’ School students can use the existing crossing on Blackmore Drive to access the station entrance along Bukit Timah Road.

We thank Mr Pak for his support during the construction of the Downtown Line and look forward to having him on board when the line opens in December.