TRAFFIC marshals were out directing traffic away from the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) on Tuesday night, when it closed temporarily.

The 3km stretch between Sims Avenue and East Coast Parkway, which opened last October, will stay shut till 5am on Monday to prepare for the opening of the full length of the 12km expressway.

The Land Transport Authority said the down time would allow crews to check safety equipment in the tunnel and carry out other work, like move the expressway's control rooms.

The KPE is scheduled to open on Sept 20.