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A Decade of Inconveniences: Will the Wait for the North-South Corridor Be Worth It in the End?

Published July 5, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC

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The North-South Corridor (NSC) is a monumental infrastructure project in Singapore, designed to enhance connectivity between the northern regions and the city center. Spanning 21.5 kilometers, the NSC is set to be Singapore's 11th expressway upon completion. The project, initially conceived as the North-South Expressway (NSE), has undergone significant transformations since its inception in 2011. Originally slated for completion by 2020, the NSC has faced multiple delays, with the viaduct portion now expected to open in 2027 and the underground tunnel in 2029. These delays have led to a decade of inconveniences for residents and commuters along the corridor. The NSC is not just a road; it is an integrated transport corridor featuring dedicated bus lanes, cycling trunk routes, and pedestrian paths. This design aims to alleviate congestion on existing expressways and provide a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation. The corridor will connect towns such as Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Toa Payoh, Novena, and Rochor with the city center. The project has been reimagined to enhance the Walk-Cycle-Ride (WCR) experience, incorporating features that promote greener travel modes. The surface streets along the NSC will be repurposed to prioritize walking, cycling, public transport, and community spaces. This transformation aims to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment. However, the prolonged construction period has raised concerns among residents and commuters. The delays have led to increased traffic congestion, longer travel times, and disruptions to daily routines. The construction process has also impacted local businesses and communities, leading to a sense of frustration and uncertainty about the project's completion. Despite these challenges, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the National Parks Board (NParks) have been actively engaging with the community to co-create and transform the streets into areas for Walk-Cycle-Ride users and meaningful public spaces. Public consultations have been conducted to gather feedback on how the surface streets can be enhanced for accessibility, greenery, and recreational uses. The NSC is expected to be completed in phases, with the viaduct portion opening in 2027 and the tunnel portion in 2029. Once completed, the NSC is anticipated to significantly reduce travel times for commuters, improve connectivity, and provide a more sustainable mode of transportation. The dedicated bus lanes are expected to reduce bus travel times from Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun, and Ang Mo Kio to the city by up to 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours. The cycling paths will link up with the Park Connector Networks and dedicated cycling path networks within new towns along the entire corridor to the city center. The transformation of the surface streets into pedestrian-friendly spaces is also expected to enhance the quality of life for residents and create vibrant community spaces. In conclusion, while the North-South Corridor has caused a decade of inconveniences due to construction delays, the long-term benefits of the project are expected to outweigh the temporary disruptions. The NSC promises to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and provide a more sustainable and livable urban environment for Singapore's residents.