Bishan-to-City Links (Phase 1)

In 2017, URA proposed revitalising Kallang River with a seamless Park Connector Network (PCN). This would be achieved by improving accessibility at six locations interspersed with major roads and bridges so that residents living along the river are able to conveniently walk, jog and cycle from Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to the Kallang Basin and the city.

Led by URA, the inter-agency team which comprised members from NParks, LTA, PUB, HDB and Jalan Besar Town Council, completed the improvement works at five of the six crossings under Phase 1 of the project and opened them on 5 October 2023. These included:

• Deepening and widening the existing underpass below the Central Expressway (CTE) to provide a rest area, and improving the condition of the underpass below Geylang Road with better lighting and floor finishes;  

• Constructing two new underpasses at Kallang Bahru Road and Upper Boon Keng Road;  

• Installing three new signalised crossings across Serangoon Road, Bendemeer Road, and Sims Avenue to create safe, more direct and convenient connections; 

• Adding colourful artwalls, concrete murals and copper inlays in the underpasses and along the pedestrian and cycling paths to showcase the nature and heritage of Kallang River, and to enhance the commuters’ experience; 

• Reducing the number of steps and improving the internal drainage around the pavilion at Bendemeer Road (Blk 44A) so that people of all ages and abilities are able to move around the pavilion safely, easily and comfortably. 

Phase 2 works, which involve building a 1.2km-long pedestrian-cum-cycling link across the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), has commenced and is expected to be completed in 2H 2027.

Before (left) and after (right) photos of the CTE underpass.

Mural and floor art at the CTE underpass.

Before (left) and after (right) photos of the Kallang Bahru underpass.

Before (left) and after (right) photos of Sims Avenue. Crossing of Sims Avenue is now more direct.