LTA looking at installing lifts at another 250 overhead bridges

2 tenders called for site investigation works; final selection to be confirmed after study

- Kok Yufeng

To take a bus to Toa Payoh Central which she frequents, Kim Keat resident Sung Lin Ing has to climb up two flights of stairs to cross an overhead bridge that spans the Pan-Island Expressway to get to her bus stop.

It is a strenuous task for the 73-year-old retiree, who prefers not to use a ramp available as it means walking a longer way.

“I don’t have the strength so it is a struggle for me,” said Ms Sung, who is glad her commute will be less taxing once a pair of lifts are installed at the overhead bridge early next year.

More seniors and other pedestrians could also stand to benefit from having such amenities at more than half of the nearly 600 existing pedestrian overhead bridges islandwide, if an upcoming study finds that it is feasible.

The Straits Times has learnt that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has called two tenders to see whether it is possible to have lifts at 250 overhead bridges.

This is on top of the 77 that have already been retrofitted with lifts as at last year, and 30 that will be upgraded similarly over the next three years.

But due to site constraints and costs, it is unlikely that all the 250 bridges under study will be fitted with lifts.

“We have to be prudent and prioritise locations that benefit users who need the lifts most, such as seniors and users with mobility challenges,” LTA said.