Drivers Can Now Turn Into Woodlands-Bound Bukit Timah Road at a New U-Turn Near Newton Circus

By
Shawn Ambrose
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If you’re a motorist and have used the roundabout at Newton Circus before, you’d know that it’s a bit like entering a black hole.

Most vehicles that enter the roundabout have to make at least 14 rounds before they can turn towards their exit or choice, while the rest are said to be stuck there forever.

In fact, rumour has it that there are still a few vehicles circling from 1933, when the roundabout was constructed.

Well, if you hate this junction and are forced to use it frequently, I have some good news for you.

Drivers Can Now Turn Into Woodlands-Bound Bukit Timah Road at a New U-Turn Near Newton Circus

Thanks to a new U-turn in Dunearn Road, drivers can now turn into Woodlands-bound Bukit Timah Road without having to enter the Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Newtown Circus roundabout.

Yes, four years after construction began, the U-turn has finally been completed.

Back in July, another U-turn was opened on the other side of Newton Circus, allowing motorists to turn from Woodlands-bound Bukit Timah Road towards the city.

Newton Circus was also widened in June to provide more room for vehicles, particularly public buses which found the junction difficult to navigate.

Hoping to Reduce Congestion

The new U-turn was constructed to alleviate congestion at the roundabout, which has seen an average of nine accidents a year between 2016 and 2018.

So, why is there so much confusion among motorists who use this intersection?

As noted in an article by SG Car-Mart, many drivers who use the roundabout enter the wrong lane and have to keep driving around to get out. Others exit dangerously from the incorrect lanes.

This is why the roundabout at Newton Circus is one of the few signalised roundabouts in Singapore.

Even with the traffic lights, though, some drivers continue to form up in the wrong lanes, causing accidents.

How to Navigate a Roundabout 

Unbeknownst to many motorists, there’s actually a section in our Highway Code dedicated to roundabouts and how to use them safely.

The first thing to do, before you enter the roundabout at Newton Circus, is to check Google Maps for an alternative route so you can avoid it.

If you have to use it, slow down when approaching the roundabout, and give way to traffic on your right.

As you can tell, roundabouts are freaking complicated.

Actually, all you have to do is stick to your lane: if you’re on the leftmost lane (Lane A) before entering the roundabout, then stick to the leftmost lane (Lane A) when in the roundabout.

Of course, this is easier said than done, with so many vehicles entering at once. The best thing to do, as is the case whenever you’re unsure on the roads, is to slow down, and keep your eye on vehicles around you.

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Featured Image: Google Maps

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]