Remembering Mr S R Nathan: Roads around Parliament House to be closed as S R Nathan lies in state

​Several roads and lanes will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Wednesday night (Aug 24), ahead of the late former President S R Nathan's lying-in-state at Parliament House. He passed away on Monday at the Singapore General Hospital.

The body of the late Mr Nathan will lie in state at Parliament House from 10am on Thursday until noon on Friday, after which a State Funeral Service will be held for him at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre.

Members of the public can pay their respects to the late President at Parliament House between 10am to 8pm on Thursday.

Road closures will begin ahead of that on Wednesday night. In a joint media release on Tuesday, the police and Land Transport Authority (LTA) gave details of the road closures:

​Due to the road closures, eight public bus services plying the area around Parliament House will be temporarily diverted on Thursday as well. The affected bus services are: 

​"The Land Transport Authority (LTA) would like to advise and seek commuters’ understanding to expect delays in bus journeys along the affected routes due to the road closures," the release said.

​The media release stated that police will conduct road blocks and security checks in and around the vicinity of Parliament House during this period. Police officers and Auxiliary Police Officers will be stationed at all affected road junctions to direct traffic. 

In response to media queries, a police spokesperson said: "The police will work with the relevant agencies to ensure safety and security at the lying-in-state.

"Security checks on persons and belongings will be conducted before entry into Parliament House. These may include walk-through metal detector gantries for persons and x-ray machines for personal items.

"Members of the public are advised not to bring big bags and items such as sharp object(s), as these may slow down the security clearance process." 

In their joint press release, the LTA and police added: "During the road closures, access will only be granted to police and emergency vehicles. The car park at Parliament House will be closed during this period. Only vehicles with authorised labels are allowed to enter the car park. Parking restrictions along the peripheral roads will be strictly enforced. Vehicles parked illegally or causing obstruction will be towed."

Members of the public who want to pay their respects to the late former President are also advised to walk to the Padang via St Andrew's Road to join the queue, the release said, on behalf of the State Funeral Organising Committee. 

​The public can also call 6336 1166 if they have any queries on the road closures, the release said.