ROAD diversions along the busy Upper Thomson Road will take place from this month, as construction of the Thomson Line moves into full swing.
Trees along the centre divider of the road were either cut down or transported elsewhere in February and March, with hoardings set up in their place.
The Upper Thomson station will be built underneath a stretch of Upper Thomson Road between Thomson Plaza and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
In a dialogue with local residents on Saturday, Land Transport Authority (LTA) staff said they are aware of the heavy traffic during peak hours. They will erect more signboards about the diversions and send out newsletters to inform residents.
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Hri Kumar Nair, who helped to organise the dialogue, said disruptions are inevitable during such major projects.
Residents expressed concern that roads in the area are already unsafe and asked the LTA if improvements could be made when planning for diversions. There have been instances of motorists beating the red light at the junction of Upper Thomson Road and Marymount Lane, as well as cars turning right illegally from a left-turn-only lane, they said.
Mr Andy Tan, 44, who lives at Lakeview estate, said many residents find it hard to turn in or out of the slip road that leads to the condominium during peak hours.
The diversions will last until about April 2018, while the station is expected to be completed in May 2020. The 30km, 22-station Thomson Line will open in three phases from 2019 to 2021. It will run from Woodlands to Gardens by the Bay.
Previously, some residents had given feedback that the hoardings in the middle of Upper Thomson Road obstructed the view of motorists wanting to make a U-turn.
The LTA has since reduced the height of the hoardings and changed the upper portion to a mesh fence instead of a solid panel so motorists can see through it.
Mr Nair said that residents will have to adjust to traffic patterns and leave home earlier or later. He added: "Just be aware and careful, reduce accidents and keep traffic flowing."
