Monday, March 29, 2021

4km Rail Corridor stretch between Hillview and Bukit Timah reopens with new features for better access

By Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times, 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm


The stretch spans about 4km and lies between two conserved truss bridges.
PHOTO: The stretch spans about 4km and lies between two conserved truss bridges.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Picture posted by Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times on 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/4km-rail-corridor-stretch-between-hillview-and-bukit-timah-reopens


SINGAPORE - A stretch of the Rail Corridor has been reopened, with new features such as additional access points for visitors and restored rail infrastructure.

The stretch of about 4km is between Hillview and Bukit Timah. It is between two conserved truss bridges, and is known as the Rail Corridor (Central). It had been closed since 2019 for restoration works.

On Monday morning (March 22), Minister for National Development Desmond Lee took a walk along the trail with members of the Friends of Rail Corridor community group, which was formed in 2017.


Minister for National Development Desmond Lee (in blue) at the Rail Corridor stretch between Hillview and Bukit Timah on 22 March 2021.
PHOTO: Minister for National Development Desmond Lee (in blue) at the Rail Corridor stretch between Hillview and Bukit Timah on 22 March 2021.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Picture posted by Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times on 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/4km-rail-corridor-stretch-between-hillview-and-bukit-timah-reopens


The Rail Corridor is a nature trail along the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia. The Malaysian rail service ceased operations here in 2011.

In a pre-recorded speech sent to the media, Mr Lee said that Singaporeans' feedback was thoroughly reviewed as the authorities drew up plans for the stretch.

Taking this feedback into account, physical remnants of the corridor's railway heritage were retained. This includes four bridges which were repaired and refurbished.

Second, biodiversity and greenery along the stretch were enhanced, Mr Lee said. Native plants were added along the way, and night lights have been minimised to reduce disturbance to animals' nocturnal rhythms.


Biodiversity and greenery along the stretch were enhanced, Mr Lee said. Native plants were added along the way, and night lights have been minimised to reduce disturbance to animals' nocturnal rhythms.
PHOTO: Biodiversity and greenery along the stretch were enhanced, Mr Lee said. Native plants were added along the way, and night lights have been minimised to reduce disturbance to animals' nocturnal rhythms.
Picture posted by Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times on 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/4km-rail-corridor-stretch-between-hillview-and-bukit-timah-reopens


Residents' and visitors' access to the corridor was taken into account, he added. Eight access points were opened along the stretch, and works were done to prevent water-logging along the trail.


Minister for National Development Desmond Lee (in blue) at the Rail Corridor stretch between Hillview and Bukit Timah on 22 March 2021
PHOTO: Pedestrians and motorists had to share a 5.5m-wide stretch of Hindhede Drive (left) to cross under Hindhede Bridge before an underpass was constructed (right).
PHOTOS: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Picture posted by Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times on 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/4km-rail-corridor-stretch-between-hillview-and-bukit-timah-reopens


Nature, heritage and development
Mr Lee also said a three-way balance had to be struck in using the entire 24km stretch of land made available after it was returned in 2011.

Apart from retaining the space for nature and recreation, as well as conserving its historical infrastructure, parcels of land adjacent to the Rail Corridor will be used for various developments to meet needs for homes, jobs and amenities.

"This illustrates how we strive to make the best use of our land," said Mr Lee.

"It is not a binary choice between development and conservation, but it is about finding innovative ways to weave together different land uses for our different needs."


SG Rail Corridor (Central) stretch between Hillview and Bukit Timah reopens | Minister Desmond Lee

Posted by The Straits Times on 22 March 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNmiOiP7tZY


As part of the improvements, a new underpass for pedestrians was built at Hindhede Drive after feedback from the public, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the National Parks Board (NParks) said in a joint statement on Monday.

The 3.6m-wide underpass, which lies under an old rail bridge, was built parallel to Hindhede Drive so that pedestrians accessing Bukit Timah Nature Reserve would not have to walk along the road, which has no pavements.


As part of the improvements, a new underpass for pedestrians was built at Hindhede Drive after feedback from the public.
PHOTO: The 3.6m-wide underpass, which lies under an old rail bridge, was built parallel to Hindhede Drive.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Picture posted by Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times on 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/4km-rail-corridor-stretch-between-hillview-and-bukit-timah-reopens


Mr Dennis Tan, a senior architect with the URA, said all stakeholders are consulted in any project, to "know what they want and understand more".

"We are also prepared to make changes (to plans) and adopt their suggestions so that the outcome is something that all stakeholders (and) communities really want," he said.


Mr Dennis Tan, a senior architect with the URA, said all stakeholders are consulted in any project
PHOTO: Mr Dennis Tan, a senior architect with the URA, said all stakeholders are consulted in any project, to "know what they want and understand more. We are also prepared to make changes (to plans) and adopt their suggestions so that the outcome is something that all stakeholders (and) communities really want," he said.
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Works are being carried out at other points of the Rail Corridor, and NParks has said that visitors can expect a continuous trail from Kranji MRT station to Spooner Road by the end of 2021.

The stretch spans almost the entire 24km corridor. More improvements will continue to be made at some points, such as a new bridge over Hillview Road due to be ready by mid-2024.


The stretch spans almost the entire 24km corridor.
PHOTO: Works are being carried out at other points of the Rail Corridor, and NParks has said that visitors can expect a continuous trail from Kranji MRT station to Spooner Road by the end of 2021.
Picture posted by Muggie@muggie31 on 18 October 2018 at 12:07 PM
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Change in scenery needed for better mental health: Experts
PHOTO: Change in scenery needed for better mental health: Experts
SINGAPORE - It's not surprising more people are finding personal "green spaces" to cope with anxiety and stress from measures imposed to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, said mental health experts.
Picture posted by  Madison @ Swimsuit Heaven on 02 February 2019
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PHOTO: There is a lot of research which shows being around nature is generally closely linked with positive mental well-being. For a born-again hiker who wanted to be known only as Madam Yanie, a school teacher in her late 40s, walking on nature trails began as a way of losing weight.
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Nature, heritage and development
PHOTO: Nature, heritage and development
Apart from retaining the space for nature and recreation, as well as conserving its historical infrastructure, parcels of land adjacent to the Rail Corridor will be used for various developments to meet needs for homes, jobs and amenities.
Picture posted by Jessica-Beaumont on 11 June 2017 - Perfetti-2727
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The Rail Corridor is a nature trail along the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia.
The Rail Corridor is a nature trail along the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia.
PHOTO: The Rail Corridor is a nature trail along the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia. The Malaysian rail service ceased operations here in 2011.
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By Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times, 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm
Reference
[1] Ng Keng Gene, The Straits Times, 4km Rail Corridor stretch between Hillview and Bukit Timah reopens with new features for better access, posted on 24 March 2021 at 04:07 pm, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/4km-rail-corridor-stretch-between-hillview-and-bukit-timah-reopens


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