Less opacity on road to preserve green heritage

Straits Times Forum 26 Sep 11;

THE tug of priorities in building more transport arteries to relieve congestion to spur growth, and constructing a clean, green and eco-friendly garden city, requires compromises.

Take the fate of Arcadia Road, one of the five roads designated under the National Parks Board's (NParks) Heritage Roads scheme.

Launched in 2001, the scheme aimed to 'conserve the unique tree-scapes along some of the roads in Singapore'. The NParks website states that Arcadia Road offers residents and visitors 'a quiet, rustic atmosphere under the shady canopy of the rain trees'.

This is about to change. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is widening the Pan- Island Expressway (PIE) where it runs adjacent to the entire stretch of Arcadia Road.

A precious verge of forest vegetation protecting this heritage road will disappear when the expressway is widened. Without this buffer zone of greenery, Arcadia's

'quiet, rustic atmosphere' will succumb to pollution, and increasing heat and exposure to the sun.

The LTA generally does not explain in detail the reasons for widening roads other than stressing the need to reduce traffic congestion.

Certainly, one cannot argue about traffic congestion - it is indeed severe along the stretch of Adam Road turning onto the PIE, largely because of the Bukit Timah Expressway tailback.

But is a compromise possible? Shouldn't those interested in the preservation of our heritage - from individuals to the Singapore Heritage Society, Nature Society and the National Heritage Board - explore other possibilities?

Can the PIE be banked or a retaining wall built? How about creative planting to maximise the cover on the sliver of remaining verge? If indeed LTA and NParks have such plans in mind, interested Singaporeans should be informed.

Arcadia Road will change. But can it survive as a stretch of heritage?

Sharon Siddique (Ms)

No impact on greenery in Arcadia Road
Straits Times Forum 3 Oct 11;

WE THANK Ms Sharon Siddique for her feedback ('Less opacity on road to preserve green heritage'; Sept 26).

The Land Transport Authority works very closely with the National Parks Board to minimise the impact to the natural environment when carrying out any road development project.

In the case of the Pan-Island Expressway road-widening project, the construction work for the stretch fronting Arcadia Road does not require the removal of trees or plants. There will be no impact on the forested vegetation in front of Arcadia Road.

Helen Lim (Ms)

Acting Director, Media Relations

Land Transport Authority