SINGAPORE – Completion of upgrading works for a 900m section of the Bukit Timah Canal will be delayed from 2024 to 2026 to align with the development of a green corridor in the same area, to minimise disruption in the area.

Dovetailing both projects would avoid prolonged traffic diversion along Bukit Timah Road, and the inconvenience it would pose for residents, motorists and business owners, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu told Parliament on Tuesday.

National water agency PUB started work in 2019 to widen and deepen the stretch of Bukit Timah Canal from Rifle Range Road to Jalan Kampong Chantek to increase its rainwater capacity by 30 per cent.

This would mitigate the risk of it overflowing, as the Bukit Timah area is prone to flash floods after heavy and intense rain.

“Since the announcement of PUB’s upgrading plans... NParks (National Parks Board) has also confirmed plans to implement the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor in the same area. PUB has been working closely with NParks to dovetail the drainage improvement works with the green corridor works,” said Ms Fu.

“However, as a result, the completion of drainage improvement works will be delayed from 2024 to 2026. We seek the patience and understanding of stakeholders during the construction works,” she added.

Ms Fu was responding to Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), who asked if the drainage improvement works could be expedited.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Mr de Souza said residents ...