Singapore F1 Updates and Race Preparation
3 July 2008
The Gallery (Main Ballroom)
Traders Hotel Singapore
1A Cuscaden Road
Singapore

Singapore F1 Updates and Race Preparation

The inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix Updates and Race Preparations

Race organisers of the inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix had outlined the traffic and transport management plans needed during race week to transform Singapore’s city streets into a race circuit. With effect from 20 September, more than 500 pieces each of concrete barriers and debris fencing, spectator and perimeter fencing, 16 grandstands and six temporary pedestrian overhead bridges will be assembled on site.

“Formula OneTM racing is an exciting sport that is made more thrilling with the high speeds and fast turns. As race organisers, our role is to ensure that we provide a race track that meets the safety requirements of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or FIA. Equally important is the need to ensure the safety of all road users during race week when we put in the finishing touches to transform Singapore’s city streets into a race circuit for the world’s first night race in Formula OneTM history.” said Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, who chairs the Formula One™ Working Committee.

While most of the race preparation will be completed prior to September 2008, the traffic and transport plan to be implemented during race week will include a series of gradual road closures in the Marina Centre area from 20 September 2008 to 28 September 2008 with full access to roads restored by 2 October 2008.

The plan will be implemented in three phases – pre-race (20 to 26 September), during the race weekend (26 to 29 September), and post-race (29 September to 2 October).

In scheduling the traffic management plan, road diversions and closures were effected as late as possible to minimise inconveniences to road users. Key thoroughfares, Nicoll Highway, in the direction of the Central Business District, and Republic Boulevard will be opened to facilitate traffic flow into the city during the morning peak hours. Roads in the Marina Centre are expected to be fully re-opened by 5am on 2 October 2008.

Facilitating Business Continuity

Noting that the 90,000 spectators expected at the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix is several times more than that of other large-scale events such as the National Day Parade, Mr Lim said “We have also been working closely with various stakeholders in the Marina Centre area to ensure that they are equipped with essential information for business continuity throughout the race period. We thank them for their understanding and co-operation that will contribute to the success of the race.”

To facilitate business continuity during this time, access to closed roads will be granted to authorised vehicles with accredited access labels. Traffic wardens will also be deployed to direct traffic and assist the public commuting into the area.

Traffic Congestion Expected, Public Advised To Use Public Transport

Visitors and commuters to the area are strongly encouraged to use public transport to get to their destinations in the Marina Centre area. Public transport services such as public buses, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and taxis will continue to operate in the area. Some bus services will be diverted.

Public transport operators will monitor the usage of their networks and fleets and remain highly flexible to meet increased demands on public transport. Please see Annex C for more information on the available public transport options.

Pedestrian Access Into Marina Bay

Pedestrians will be able to access all the establishments in the Marina Centre area via the underground CityLink walkway. Surface roads will continue to be in use by pedestrians and signs will be put up to direct pedestrians. Existing pedestrian overhead bridges will remain open and directional signs will be installed along key pedestrian routes.

Pedestrian access to all buildings will be maintained during the race period, whereas The Esplanade and Singapore Flyer, which are part of the circuit park, will require Formula One™ tickets for access.

Accessing Information

The public will be able to access traffic management information and plan their journeys in advance with information from:

• Street signs that will be put up on road closures, diversions and alternative routes near the affected locations closer to the event date;
• The Expressway Monitoring Advisory System (EMAS) and Variable Messaging System boards;
• Pamphlets containing a detailed map of the road closures and diversions will be available at various petrol stations and from information counters in the Marina Centre area malls and office buildings from August 2008;

For more information, please log on to: www.lta.gov.sg and www.singaporegp.sg.

Speech addressed by Mr. Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive
Singapore Tourism Board.

Text and Audio Clip Edited by Ai San Yip. Information Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board, The Land Transport Authority and Singapore GP. All Rights Reserved.