1.  Bencoolen Street will get a new lease of life when it reopens in the first quarter of 2017 following the completion of Downtown Line 3 works for Bencoolen Station. The redesigned Bencoolen Street will feature wider footpaths lined with trees and benches, dedicated cycling paths, and additional bike parking facilities to make walking and cycling more convenient. A dedicated bus lane will also be introduced for faster and smoother bus journeys. These enhancements are part of our efforts to create a more conducive and pleasant environment for people to walk, cycle, and ride public transport in Singapore.

More conducive environment for pedestrians and cyclists

2.  To enhance pedestrians’ walking experience, there will be sheltered linkways from the new Bencoolen MRT station to nearby facilities and developments, such as Hotel Rendezvous and Manulife Centre. A new dedicated cycling path along Bencoolen Street will also connect Rochor Canal to the planned cycling route along the future North-South Corridor to the Central Business District. This will allow cyclists to cycle safely and comfortably to the city centre through Bencoolen Street. To complement this car-lite lifestyle, some 125 bicycle parking lots will also 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. LTA is also collaborating with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and students and alumni from NAFA to design the benches that will line Bencoolen Street, to inject a touch of creativity to the streetscape.

3.  Please refer to Annex A for artist’s impression of the revamped Bencoolen Street.

Traffic Adjustments, Dedicated Bus Lane and Bus Route Reinstatement

4.  LTA will carry out a series of traffic adjustments in the coming months to facilitate the final stage of works at Bencoolen Street, which includes electrical and mechanical installation works, as well as architectural works for the new Downtown Line 3 Bencoolen MRT station. This is to improve the productivity of the construction works and ensure public safety within the precinct.

5.  From 13 November 2016, all vehicles except for buses are restricted from turning left onto Bras Basah Road from Bencoolen Street. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes if they are heading towards Bras Basah Road.

6.  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 reverted towards Bras Basah Road.

7.  A dedicated bus lane along the stretch of Bencoolen Street between Middle Road and Bras Basah Road will be implemented from 11 December 2016, 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. The counter-flow along Selegie Road/Prinsep Street will also be reinstated to one-way.

8.  Please refer to Annex B for more information on the upcoming traffic scheme changes.