Noise Mitigation Measures for Residents near Tampines Expressway and Loyang Flyover Construction Work Sites

16 Dr Charlene Chen asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what interim noise mitigation measures are in place near the Tampines Expressway and the Loyang Flyover construction work sites; (b) how is post-completion noise impact of such sites assessed; and (c) whether additional safeguards will be implemented to protect residents' sleep, health and children's learning environment in the interim.

The Minister of State for Transport (Mr Baey Yam Keng) (for the Acting Minister for Transport): Various noise mitigation measures are in place. These include temporary noise barriers, enclosures around machinery, the use of special tools such as rubber materials for hammering works, as well as carrying out noisier works as far as possible during the day. Noise meters are also installed to ensure that noise levels do not exceed the levels stipulated by the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Post-construction, permanent noise barriers will be erected along the section of Loyang Viaduct facing residential blocks. Low noise pavement mix that better absorb noise will also be used for the road surface.

Mr Speaker: Dr Chen, a short one, please.

Dr Charlene Chen (Tampines): Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister of State for his response. The reason why I have been asking this is also because residents have been experiencing a lot of noise along the Tampines Expressway (TPE) and in the night as well, in the wee hours. I have been receiving a lot of feedback, residents sharing with me, and often times, they email me late, in the wee hours of the morning.

And I wonder if the Ministry would consider expediting the use of noise reducing road surfaces. And post completion, when the viaduct is completed, whether there will be post-completion monitoring and additional mitigation measures, if let us say the noise levels exceed what residents can reasonably live with.

Lastly, I would also like to ask if the Ministry will be willing to explore enhanced soundproofing measures such as improved window treatments or insulation. And whether when they plan new highways and road expansions, do they consider the impact of the well-being of the residents who live around the area?

Mr Baey Yam Keng: The quick short answer to most of her questions is yes. We will plan and look for ways to reduce noise, noise impact on residents living near road infrastructure. But it is about taking a balance of cost, about technical feasibilities and also using very measurable tangible measures because residents' noise tolerance levels could differ from person to person. We look at existing noise limits that are set by the relevant authorities. When infrastructure-level kind of mitigation are not adequate, we will definitely look at possible ways, working with other agencies to see how we can add on to the measures to reduce the impact on residents living around it.

As for noise reducing pavement mix, we have a schedule of resurfacing these expressways, especially near residential areas. But this new section that we are building near Dr Chan's residents will already be using the noise-reducing mix for the road surface.

1.33 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. The Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day and Notice of Motion.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), provided that Members had not asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn, written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix.]