COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATE RUNWAY EXERCISE

Every five to six years since 1986, Lim Chu Kang Road literally sees much "heavier" traffic than usual in the form of various fighter jets, which take off and land on a 2.5km stretch of public road that is converted into an alternate runway for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

Currently in its sixth edition of the series, this year's Alternate Runway Exercise will be held on 30 Nov.

The exercise helps to enhance the RSAF's operational readiness, as well as ensure the capability to deliver timely and uninterrupted air power at all times.

Utilising special equipment such as the Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower and Airfield System, the RSAF's Air Power Generation Command can transform this major public road into an operational runway within 24 to 48 hours. Civilian installations such as lamp posts and traffic lights will also be removed.

As the conduct of such activities necessitate the closure of some roads in the Lim Chu Kang vicinity, much was done in advance to keep the public informed and to minimise any potential inconvenience.

On 15 Nov, 55 grassroots leaders from various constituencies attended a briefing held at Tengah Air Base to learn more about what the exercise would involve.

Commenting on how the visit had given him a clearer understanding, Vice-Chairman of Pioneer Zone 7 Resident Committee, Mr Patrick Tan, told cyberpioneer: "I think it's a good way to reach out to the public."

"After viewing the presentation and talking to the officers, I am now very confident of my ability to relay the information I've learnt to my fellow residents," he said.

In the lead-up to the exercise, door-to-door visits were also organised to prepare and seek the cooperation of residents living in the area and business owners operating in Lim Chu Kang.

Mr Chew Eng Hoe, the managing director of Chew's Agriculture Pte Ltd and Chew's Poultry Farm Brothers Company, met with Commander Tengah Air Base, Colonel (COL) David Wong, along with a team of personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the RSAF, on 17 Nov.

"This whole initiative to come down and talk to us is great, because it lets us know what is going on and informs us in advance of all the timings about when the roads will be closed. This really helps us avoid any problems with our business," he said in Mandarin.

Other measures taken to keep the public updated include the distribution of brochures providing details about road closures and alternative routes to take. Notices were also put up at nearby bus stops and terminals.

30 Nov 08 - Public Road Converted Into Alternate Runway [MINDEF News Release]

01 Dec 08 - Project Alternate Runway takes flight [cyberpioneer]