Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore

Lorong 1 Toa Payoh is one of the principal roads in the heart of Toa Payoh Planning Area, Singapore. Spanning approximately 2.1 km, it forms a distinctive semi-circle that connects with Lorong 6 Toa Payoh at both its northeastern and southern ends. Situated in District 12, the road plays an important role in local traffic circulation, providing access to residential precincts, community amenities, schools, and green spaces. The nearest MRT station is Braddell MRT Station (NS18), on the North South Line, offering convenient rail access to the wider city.

Overview of Lorong 1 Toa Payoh

The road is characterised by its curving alignment, tracing a semi-circular route around the township. Along its length, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh intersects with several smaller estate roads, feeder links, and service lanes. The carriageway typically carries multiple lanes in both directions, reflecting its role as a key access route into the town centre. Streets adjacent to Lorong 1 include Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, and Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, forming a structured grid that was a hallmark of Toa Payoh’s urban planning in the 1960s and 70s.

Connecting Streets

  1. Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
  2. Lorong 6 Toa Payoh

History and Development

Toa Payoh was the first major satellite town developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in the 1960s1. Lorong 1 Toa Payoh was laid out during this period to serve as one of the main access roads for the newly built public housing estates. Its semi-circular alignment was intentional, creating an internal traffic loop that could distribute vehicles evenly without overloading a single corridor. Over the decades, the road has been upgraded to handle increased traffic and to integrate with the nearby Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and Central Expressway (CTE).

Name and Pronunciation

The name “Lorong” is Malay for “lane” or “passage.” Numbered “1,” the road is among the earliest planned routes in the estate. The term “Toa Payoh” comes from the Hokkien phrase toa-payoh, meaning “big swamp,” describing the area’s marshy condition before urbanisation. The road name is pronounced in English as “Loh-rong One Toa Pah-yo,” with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription being /lɒrɒŋ wʌn toʊə paɪ.joʊ/.

Character of the Road and Surroundings

Lorong 1 Toa Payoh is lined with a mix of residential blocks, schools, and community institutions. The atmosphere is bustling yet community-oriented, reflecting Toa Payoh’s role as a mature housing town with a strong neighbourhood identity. The road also hosts amenities such as sports complexes, playgrounds, and schools, all contributing to the character of a self-contained township.

Notable Landmarks and Sights

Several interesting places can be found along or near Lorong 1 Toa Payoh:

Real Estate Around Lorong 1 Toa Payoh

Toa Payoh is considered a mature town, and properties along Lorong 1 reflect the strong demand for central HDB estates. As of September 2025, resale HDB flats in the area typically command between S$720,000 to S$850,000 for a 4-room flat (approx. 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq m)2. Executive apartments and maisonettes, with sizes up to 1,600 sq ft (149 sq m), can exceed S$1.1 million.

Condominium developments nearby, such as Trevista and Sky@Eleven, have higher values, averaging S$1,700–S$2,000 per square foot. A typical 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) unit would therefore cost between S$2 million to S$2.4 million. Rentals in the area range from S$3,000 per month for a 3-room HDB flat to S$6,000–S$7,000 per month for condominiums of similar size.

Transport and Accessibility

The road is served by Braddell MRT Station, just north of its alignment, providing access to the North South Line. Toa Payoh MRT Station is also within reach, making commuting convenient. Numerous bus stops line Lorong 1 itself, offering direct services to neighbouring towns such as Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, and Novena. The PIE and CTE interchanges nearby provide motorists with quick access to other parts of the island.

Fun Facts

One fun fact about Lorong 1 Toa Payoh is that it was featured in the 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games Torch Relay, which passed through the town on its way to the National Stadium. Toa Payoh residents proudly lined Lorong 1 to cheer on the runners, reflecting the estate’s early importance in Singapore’s sporting history.

Quick Facts

References

  1. National Library Board Singapore – Toa Payoh
  2. Singapore Real Estate Exchange (SRX) – Property Prices

Map of Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore

Page Details

This page was created on 6 September 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.

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