SINGAPORE -Famous for its food centre and car servicing workshops, Alexandra Village in Queenstown is also known for one other thing - bad traffic.
But this might change after a new road, Bukit Merah Lane 4, was opened on Thursday (Aug 20).
The new two-way 220m stretch, which connects Bukit Merah Lane 2 and Lane 3 to Jalan Bukit Merah, was formerly Malayan Railway land.
It now provides vehicles another route to Alexandra Village, which was previously only accessible at the junction of Alexandra Road and Bukit Merah Lane 1 or the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Bukit Merah Lane 1.
Some 265 new parking spaces have also been built beside the new lane, bringing the total number of lots there for cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles to 518.
The additional road and extra parking spots are expected to ease the area's traffic congestion, especially during crowded meal times and the weekend, when drivers would often have to wait in long, snaking lines just to turn in and find parking.
The new road, added parking spaces and their accompanying drainage, lighting and pavement works are built at a cost of $1.8 million.
MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, who officially opened the road on Thursday along with members of the Alexandra Village Business Association, said the new infrastructure will prove "very helpful"to the area's businesses, customers and residents.
Madam Teh Siew Lang, 60, who owns a wholesale shoe shop there, said she expects business to improve now, as customers will find driving "more convenient".
Over at Alexandra Village Food Centre, wanton noodle stall owner Mr B.K.Choy, 63, said the traffic situation has long been a "headache" for customers and stallholders.
"There is always a very bad jam, and people have no space to park. No parking means no business for us," said Mr Choy.
Property investor Jenny Wu, 43, who shops and eats in the vicinity with her family about twice a week, said she would consider going there more often now if the traffic situation does improve.
But she added: "It seems like only a temporary solution. Once this place expands, parking will not be enough. A multi-storey or underground car park might be a better idea."
