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Here’s what we know about the North South Corridor (NSC)
As a driver, the arrival of North South Corridor (NSC) (originally termed as the North South Expressway meant solely for cars) in 2026 comes with a positive outlook for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Originally slated to commence construction works in 2017, the commencement date was pushed to 2018 due to unforeseen circumstances.
A 21.5km integrated expressway that runs parallel with CTE, the NSC connects the northern and northeastern parts of Singapore to the city and East Coast Parkway. Designed with double 3-lanes and twin 4-lanes between CTE and PIE to facilitate heavy traffic flow, this integrated expressway also consists of cycling trunk, bus and pedestrian routes to benefit all. There have been certain controversies around it, such as the demolition of private properties (38 lots, estimated to add up to 24,700 square metres) from Marymount Terrace and Marymount Convent, over 500 Housing Board flats and landmarks like Rocher Center and Ellison building.
The North South Corridor (NSC) route
The NSC route begins at Admiralty Road West, leading towards Woodlands Avenue 8 and Sembawang Road before joining Lentor Avenue and intersecting at Seletar Expressway, bypassing Toa Payoh Rise, joining Thompson Road and Bukit Timah Road en route. You can get to selected areas in town easier and quicker in a direct, straight route.
To facilitate a seamless flow of traffic with minimized road disruptions and
conserve space, many entry and exit ramps through the construction of viaducts and tunnels have been built.
Between Victoria Street and East Coast Parkway, there will be 3 entry and 4 exit ramps, while Victoria Street and Kampong Java will have 2 entry and 2 exit ramps in this 1.55km tunnel.
Between Marymount Lane and Pemimpin Place, you’ll have 1 entry ramp in this 1.1km tunnel, while Pemimpin Place and Sin Ming Avenue will have 1 entry and 1 exit ramp in this 0.7km section. There will be 1 entry ramp in the 1.95km section of tunnel going from Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 and Ave 9, 1 exit ramp between Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 and Sungei Seletar. There will be a total of 16 entrances and 17 exits and slip roads to link the various towns on this expressway to the city for a convenient and fast entry and exit.
Lesser traffic jams
The NSC is also designed to help CTE manage its current traffic flow and the growth forecast of cars moving from Yishun, Sembawang and Woodlands. With the influx of cars on the road each year, the growth of new homes in these northern areas and Marina Bay, the NSC will lessen the impending traffic jams on the CTE in 2026. LTA estimates a helpful 10%-15% reduction in traffic in CTE and other connecting roads, with an average 30% of time during peak hours.
A faster route to the city, wherever you are
If you’re driving from the western part of Singapore, you’ll be able to drive directly to the CBD areas via this expressway, thus enjoying a more convenient and time-saving route. NSC is linked to Seletar Expressway, Pan-Island Expressway and East Coast Parkway for a seamless connectivity. That means your family trips to East Coast Park will be significantly shorter, even if you’re coming from Bukit Batok!
If you’re driving from the northern part, you’ll spend lesser time commuting to reduce the likelihood of being stuck in peak hour jams. The NSC cuts through Novena, Rocher, Kampong Java before Suntec City before merging towards East Coast Parkway.
For those driving from these central northern parts, you’ll get another shortcut to the city. LTA estimates a travelling time of 20 to 30 minutes to the city from Yishun (it takes about 30 to 35 minutes currently) and 10 to 15 minutes from Bishan (it takes about 15 to 20 minutes currently).
The NSC in a nutshell
What makes this expressway stand out isn’t just its integration pathways for pedestrians, cyclists and bus friendly routes but rather its ingenious way of improving the commuting experience for drivers in Singapore and the connectivity of expressways for a faster, direct route. The island is getting smaller for drivers!